Unlike Pompeii, which was smothered by ash, Herculaneum was struck by a superheated pyroclastic surge, a scorching cloud acting as an insulator, essentially flash-baking the city and retaining much of the organic material.
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Buried alongside Pompeii in the catastrophic Vesuvian eruption of 79 AD lies Herculaneum, a smaller yet more opulent Roman city.
The ruins at Herculaneum have several interesting attractions to visit, from ancient Roman houses to boat sheds and gymnasiums. Here's a map guide to getting around the ruins on your visit.
Located a little further from the House of the Charred Furniture, the House of Neptune was created as a tribute to the gods Neptune and Amphitrite. The primary attraction at the House of Neptune is a stunning glass mosaic wall featuring Neptune and his wife Amphitrite, with marble masks over it.
Considered one of the most magnificent villas in Herculaneum, this site gained fame due to the discovery of numerous papyrus scrolls that offer insights into the philosophical and intellectual rigor of the time. The Villa of the Papyri is thought to once have a vineyard and gardens, and has a direct view of the sea from its terraces.
The thermal baths date back to the 1st century BC and clearly demarcate separate areas for men and women. Once can still identify how the water was heated by a large, still-intact furnace.
Devotees of Emperor Augustus’ cult met here for their meetings and claimed it as their official seat. It is also identified by various frescos, famous ones portraying Hercules wrestling Achelous.
From all the excavation projects, the Samnite House was identified as one of the oldest aristocratic residences in Herculaneum. Of note is its beautiful flooring, rainwater pool and still-standing columns and pillars.
On this spot, one can find another grand villa in Herculaneum, facing the oceanside. These were decorated with statues of deer and large marble tables that one can find in the on-site museum as well. Notice the unique flooring of this villa, as it is covered with intricate mosaics, frescoes and marble chips.
One of the largest buildings to have been excavated in Herculaneum, this house features a relief of Telepho, son of Hercules, being cured by Achilles. This residence is believed to be owned by Roman senator Marco Nonio Balbo.
It was in this boat house that some 300 skeletons were found. The remains are thought to be of people who sought to flee Vesuvius’ wrath by the sea, but the heat got to them before they could escape.
You can expect to save 20 minutes to an hour of waiting time by booking priority access tickets. With these tickets, all you need to do is show your ticket at the entrance and begin your tour immediately.
Since Herculaneum is buried in historical wealth, walking the ruins with a tour guide or archeologist can help you understand the meaning and purpose of various houses, frescoes and mosaics and other remnants. So, paying the extra few bucks for a guided experience is absolutely worth it.
Although nothing quite tops a guided tour, you can still learn about the history and significance of the Herculaneum with audio guided tours like Herculaneum Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide. If you want to go the traditional route and explore on your own, make sure you do plenty of research before visiting so you can fully appreciate what you’re looking at.
Avail Herculaneum audio guide tours in Italian, English, French, Spanish and German.
Typically, those under 18 enter for free, as do members of the ICOM, people with disabilities and one companion, students and teachers enrolled in courses related to archeology, culture, history, conservation, etc. Groups, Ministry bodies, etc. are liable to receive concessions.
It depends on the ticket you choose to book. While some tickets offer a full refund on canceling tickets up to 48-72 hours in advance, for others there may be no refund available on cancelation. Please check before you make your reservation.
Yes, entry is free for people with disabilities and one companion, provided they offer proof of availing social support.
Yes, tourists can generally access all sites open to visitors, unless any specific monument or building is cordoned off for repair, like the Villa of the Papyri, for instance.
While not exactly hidden, definitely check out the Palestra that sprawls two terraces (here, ancient Romans engaged in physical sport and ball games). Also visit the House of the Wooden Partition which has sliding doors that still work on their hinges. Though not much to look at, you can also stop by the House of the Skeleton, known for the fact that a skeleton was discovered here in the 19th century. It now has faded mosaics.
Yes, Herculaneum is a popular day trip destination owing to its proximity to Naples. From Naples or Pompeii, book transfers to Herculaneum. To tour Herculaneum from Naples, you need just 3 hours, including travel time. Additionally, along with Herculaneum, you can even visit Mount Vesuvius if your ticket permits.
Dodge long ticket queues and explore one of the world's best-preserved ancient Roman cities at your own pace.
Inclusions
Skip-the-line entry to Herculaneum
App-based audio guide in Italian, English, French, Spanish & German (as per option selected)
Exclusions
Get expert insights and spot hidden details at Herculaneum’s remarkably preserved ruins on a tour led by an archaeologist.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Skip the ticket lines and let an official audio guide bring Herculaneum’s ruins to life as you explore freely.
Inclusions
Skip-the-line entry to Herculaneum
Official audio guide in Italian, English, French, Spanish & German
Exclusions
An easy day trip from Naples that takes you straight to Mount Vesuvius and the city of Pompeii or Herculaneum, or both.
Inclusions
Full-day trip around Mount Vesuvius and Herculaneum/Pompeii (as per option selected)
Pick up from Naples city center or port (as per option selected)
Round-trip AC coach transfers
Access to Mount Vesuvius
Skip-the-line entry to Herculaneum (if selected)
Skip-the-line entry to Pompeii (if selected)
Explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites in Naples with one simple low-cost booking.
Inclusions
Entry to Pompeii
Skip-the-line entry to Herculaneum
Exclusions
Pompeii
Herculaneum
Take a scenic train ride from Sorrento to Herculaneum, skip the lines, and enjoy a guided tour of the ancient city.
Inclusions
Guided tour of Herculaneum with skip-the-line entry
Round-trip express train ticket from Sorrento
Maps
Follow an expert archaeologist guide on an exclusive tour tailored to your interests.
Inclusions
Private tour of Herculaneum with skip-the-line entry
Expert English, Spanish, German, French, Portuguese, or Italian-speaking guide (as per option selected)
Journey through two buried cities and a volcano – all featuring in a saga of ash and lava.
Inclusions
Day trip to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Vesuvius
Round-trip transfers from Pompeii or Naples (as per option selected)
Entry to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Vesuvius National Park
Audio guide and map of Pompeii
Exclusions
Enjoy hassle-free round-trip transport and skip-the-line access on a guided tour to the ancient city of Herculaneum.
Inclusions
Guided tour of Herculaneum with skip-the-line entry
Round-trip transfers from Naples
Fully-fitted GT coach
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.