Herculaneum Guide: What to See, Tickets, and How to Visit the Excavations

Herculaneum: History of Ancient Herculaneum

Herculaneum (The ancient Herculaneum) was a flourishing Roman city on the slopes of the Vesuvio, smaller and more elegant than nearby Pompeii. Founded according to myth by Hercules, from which it takes its name, was a residential center frequented by the Roman elite, with villas overlooking the sea and an evocative promenade that has now disappeared.

Il October 24, 79 AD (According to recent archaeological dating), the eruption of Vesuvius buried Herculaneum under approximately 16 meters of ash, lapilli, and pyroclastic flows. Unlike Pompeii, which was covered by lighter pumice, Herculaneum was submerged by a compact volcanic blanket that carbonized organic materials but remarkably preserved wood, food, fabrics, and even the papyrus scrolls of the famous Villa dei Papiri.

Rediscovered in the 700th century by order of the BourbonThe city emerged through excavations with underground tunnels. Open-air archaeological excavations resumed systematically in the twentieth century and continue today, yielding discoveries that rewrite the history of antiquity.

Why visit the Herculaneum excavations?

Visit Herculaneum It's a different experience than Pompeii. Here, the ancient city is preserved on multiple levels, and Roman houses retain intact mosaic floors, frescoes, wooden furnishings, and even original beds and furniture. Walking the streets of Herculaneum means immersing yourself in the daily life of Romans like no other archaeological site in the world.

The site is more compact than Pompeii (about 4 hectares against 66), which makes it ideal for a visit of 2-3 hours without the hassle of having to cover enormous distances.

Tickets and schedules 2026

Il Ercolano Archaeological Park It is open all year round from Monday to Sunday. The only closing day is 25th December (Special opening with regular hours on January 1, 2026).

Opening time:

• From April 1st to October 31st: 8:30 am – 19:30 pm (last admission 18:00 pm)
• From November 1st to March 31st: 8:30 am – 17:00 pm (last admission 15:30 pm)

tickets:

• Full price: € 13,00
• Reduced (18-25 years): €2,00
• Free: Children under 18, first Sunday of the month (#domenicalmuseo initiative)
• Combined ticket: Pompeii + Herculaneum + Oplontis + Boscoreale: €22,00

Tickets can be purchased online on the official website ercolano.cultura.gov.it or on site. We recommend the booking online, especially in the summer months and on weekends, to avoid long queues at the ticket office.

How to get to the Herculaneum excavations

The excavations are located in Resin Course 187, in Ercolano (NA). Reaching them from Naples is very simple:

• CircumvesuvianaNaples-Sorrento line, stop Ercolano ScaviThe journey takes about 15 minutes from Naples and the stop is 100 meters from the entrance.
• By car:: exit Herculaneum From the A3 Naples-Salerno motorway, then follow the signs for the Scavi. Parking is available nearby (for a fee).
• Bus: ANM lines from Naples and tourist buses.

Read more about How to get to Herculaneum with our dedicated guide.

What to see at the Herculaneum excavations: the unmissable stops

House of the Wooden Partition

One of the symbols of Herculaneum. It owes its name to a charred wooden partition incredibly preserved wall that separates the atrium from the tablinum. The house preserves 4th style frescoes, a lararium, and the private baths. A unique example of roman domus with surviving furnishings.

Casa dei Cervi

The largest residence excavated so far, overlooking the ancient waterfront. It takes its name from the marble sculptures depicting deer being attacked by dogs, displayed in the peristyle. The interior features exquisite frescoes and a view of the Bay of Naples that must have been breathtaking.

Suburban Spa and Central Spa

Le Suburban Baths They are among the best preserved thermal complexes of the Roman world, with intact floor mosaics and walls. Central Spa (located in the forum) feature separate rooms for men and women, with the ancient underfloor heating system (hypocaustum) still visible. A dive into Roman engineering applied to well-being.

Villa dei Papiri

An archaeological jewel of inestimable value, the Villa dei Papiri It is a luxurious suburban residence that takes its name from the library of carbonized papyrus found inside. Over 1.800 papyrus scrolls, mostly Epicurean philosophical texts, are still being studied using innovative multispectral imaging and artificial intelligence techniques. The villa, still largely buried, cannot be visited in its entirety, but part of its extraordinary heritage is on display at the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN).

Forum and Basilica

Il forum of Herculaneum, the main square of the ancient city, is today largely hidden under modern Herculaneum and only partially excavated. Basilica, a multifunctional public building, preserves mighty brick pillars and an evocative monumental atmosphere.

Seat of the Augustals

Building dedicated to the cult of the emperor Augustus, the Seat of the Augustals It preserves a cycle of extraordinary frescoes depicting Hercules and the god Mars. The main hall is dominated by a rich mosaic floor.

Bicentennial House

Discovered in 1938 (200 years after the beginning of the Bourbon excavations), this house is famous for its graffiti This would attest to the presence of a cross, a subject of debate among scholars regarding the spread of Christianity in Herculaneum before the eruption. It retains an elegant peristyle and decorated rooms.

House of the Gem

It takes its name from a onyx cameo depicting a Bacchic scene found inside. The second largest domus in Herculaneum after the House of the Deer (1.800 m²), it extends over three levels and features exquisitely crafted floor mosaics.

Ancient Promenade and Terrace of Marco Nonio Balbo

Il seafront of Herculaneum, with its arches and warehouses overlooking the beach, is a suggestive area where the remains of over 300 fugitives were found during the excavations of the 80s. Here is also the terrace of Marco Nonio Balbo, funerary monument dedicated to the city's benefactor, with a splendid view of the bay.

Tours and guided visits

To better appreciate the excavations it is advisable to guided tourThe standard duration is about 2 hours, with authorized guides who reveal anecdotes and details that escape the untrained eye. The Archaeological Park also offers thematic visits e family itineraries.

In the summer months the suggestive ones return Friday of Herculaneum, evening openings with theater, dance, and music among the illuminated ruins. A unique experience to experience the archaeological site in a magical atmosphere.

Tips for visiting

• Comfortable shoes: the terrain is uneven, with ancient stones and slopes.
• Water and hat: in summer the site is exposed to the sun and there are not many shaded areas.
• Early morning or afternoon: to avoid rush hour and the heat in the central hours.
• Map at the entrance: available free of charge, useful for finding your way around the insulae.
• AccessibilityThe site is partially accessible to people with mobility impairments; some areas have architectural barriers.
• Pairing with PompeiiHerculaneum is a good half-day visit, while Pompeii deserves a full day. If you're short on time, choose Herculaneum for a more intimate and preserved experience.

Where to eat near the excavations

In the immediate vicinity of the entrance, you'll find bars, pizzerias, and restaurants. Recommended ones include: Pizzeria Vesi for classic Neapolitan pizza and La Casetta Inn for typical Campanian dishes. A great break after your visit.

Events and news 2026

Summer 2026 brings with it the return of the The Fridays of Herculaneum (Fridays from July 3rd to August 7th), evening openings with "Love and War" themed shows, including theater and music. Discover the complete program of Herculaneum Friday 2026.

Always active also theErcolano Open Festival, a widespread festival with free events in historic locations around the city.

Frequently Asked Questions about Herculaneum

How long does it take to visit Herculaneum?

A complete visit of the excavations requires 2-3 hoursIt's a compact and well-preserved site, ideal even for those short on time.

Which is better: Herculaneum or Pompeii?

It depends. Herculaneum It is smaller but better preserved, with unique details (charred wood). Pompei It's huge and allows you to see a Roman city in its entirety. If you can, visit both. Learn more. guide to Pompeii to compare.

When is the best time to visit Herculaneum?

Spring and autumn They offer the ideal climate. Summer can be very hot, but Herculaneum's Friday evening tours are an unmissable alternative.

Are the Herculaneum excavations suitable for children?

Yes, the site is suitable for children thanks to its small size and easy-to-follow trails. Little ones will be fascinated by the houses with their original furnishings and mosaics.

Can you take photographs inside the excavations?

Yes, photography is permitted for personal use. Flash and tripod use are prohibited without permission.

Is Herculaneum accessible to people with disabilities?

The Archaeological Park is partially accessibleSome areas have architectural barriers, but there are accessible routes. It's advisable to contact the ticket office before your visit.

Where are the finds from the Villa of the Papyri located?

The papyri and most of the finds from the Villa are preserved in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN). A visit to the museum perfectly completes a day in Herculaneum.