Herculaneum Fridays: The Archaeological Park opens at night. Here are the dates and tickets.

I Venerdì di Ercolano (Ercolano Fridays) is back , the nighttime festival now in its ninth year, transforming the Ercolano Archaeological Park into an open-air stage. The next event is Friday, July 24, 2026 , with special openings from 20:00 PM to midnight.

What are the Fridays of Ercolano?

The festival offers the opportunity to visit the UNESCO site in the evening, amidst the soft lighting of the ancient domus and artistic performances. For the 2026 edition, the theme is "Love and War ," with seven site-specific performances distributed throughout the park. The public can move freely along an illuminated path, alternating between performances.

Dates of the review

• Friday July 24 2026
• Friday July 31 2026
• Friday August 7 2026
• Saturday, September 26, 2026 (special date for the European Heritage Days)

Hours and shifts

The site is open from 20:00 PM to 24:00 AM with two visiting shifts:

• 1nd shift: 20:00 PM – 21:30 PM
• 2nd shift: 22:00 PM – 23:30 PM

Tickets

• Full: € 10,00
• Reduced (18-25 years EU): € 5,00
• Free: minors, disabled people and their companions (reservations required)

Purchase: on ercolano.coopculture.it or by calling +39 081 0106490 (Mon–Sat 9:00–17:00).

Inputs

Two entrances: Corso Resina 187 and Via dei Papiri Ercolanesi 19.

Useful Tips

Comfortable, low-cut shoes and insect repellent are recommended. Advance reservations are recommended due to limited space available for each session.

FAQ

How long does the tour last? Each tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Are children allowed? Yes, admission is free for minors (reservations required).

Are the performances always the same? Each evening repeats the same program of seven site-specific shows, repeated cyclically.

Can I take photos? Yes, photography is permitted during the visit.