📍 Explore Campania:
The ancient cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii were a revelation when they were discovered in an amazing state of preservation. While ancient Pompeii gets a lot of the attention, I love the Herculaneum Archaeological park. There is so much to see here that I think everyone coming to Campania should include it in their trip planning! To help you have the best experience, here is my guide to how to visit Herculaneum.
Few sites anywhere in the world allow visitors to step back in time in the same way that Herculaneum does
All the Details You Need For How to Visit Herculaneum
Understanding how to visit Herculaneum is not only about understanding how to get there or when to go. Many people think of it as a mini Pompeii but the Herculaneum ruins are so much more than this.
You can expect to see incredible frescoes and mosaics, fascinating ancient architecture and public engineering along with sobering reminders of the tragedy following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
Ready to learn more? In this guide I’ll be talking about:
The History of the Herculaneum Archaeological Park
The current Archaeological Park organisation was not founded until 2016 but this followed a long period of excavations and discussion about how best to look after the precious site. Of course, the ancient town of Herculaneum has a much longer history:
Ancient Origins
Ancient tradition held that Herculaneum was founded and named for the Greek hero Hercules. However now it is thought that the original ancient town was founded around the 6th or 7th century BCE by a native Italic people known as the Oscans.
Control of this part of southern Italy was pretty fluid, with varying levels of control exercised by the Etruscans, Greek settlers and Samnites (another local Italic people). Located on the coast, Herculaneum was strategically important as a close port to ancient Naples and played a part through the recurring conflicts that arose as the ancient Roman Republic was growing.
Conservation, excavation and other historical undertakings are constant at Herculaneum as experts work to uncover more of this ancient town’s past
Herculaneum was involved in the Samnite wars against the Roman Republic through the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE, and remained separate from Rome until the end of the Social War in 87 BCE. This war was between Rome and a loose coalition of other Italian people from the southern and central regions.
The Italians wanted to stop the steady advance of Roman control over land, trade and politics but the war ended in Roman victory. They had conquered many cities, including Pompeii and Salerno as well as Herculaneum, bringing the Campania region fully under Roman control.
Roman Control
This control had a profound impact on the region. Wealthy ancient Romans loved the landscape, the sea, the local produce and climate – similar to why people still love it today! Resorts and villas for the Romans to come and enjoy vacations were built in many places, and Herculaneum became one of these places.
Public buildings were renovated and improved and villas were built with sea views and beautiful gardens. Herculaneum was even connected to the new Aqua Augusta aqueduct in the Augustan age, giving the Roman town regular fresh water.
Sadly all this progress would not continue. Less than 100 years after Herculaneum had become a Roman municipium, the entire city would be devastated by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
The wealth of this town during its Roman heyday is evident from the ornate villas preserved for us today
The Vesuvius Volcanic Eruption
It was well-known in ancient times that Vesuvio was a temperamental neighbour. Portrayed as a deity and described as spouting fire into the sky, the people did not know what the regular earthquakes and rumbles through the 1st century CE were building to.
In 62 CE there was a major earthquake, causing widespread damage in Herculaneum, Pompeii and other places around the Bay of Naples. This damage was severe enough that 17 years later in 79 CE it had not all been repaired.
Even if the volcano is not as tall as it was prior to the 79 CE eruption, Vesuvius looms over Herculaneum today just as it did 2000 years ago
In the fall of 79 (August was the traditional date but archaeological evidence would suggest a later date) Vesuvius erupted violently and aggressively over 2 days. This eruption at first spewed huge amounts of volcanic material up into the air, which was blown southeast. Pompeii was covered in debris but Herculaneum was only mildly affected at this point. The earthquakes, darkened skies, booming noises and ash fall was enough for many Herculaneum residents to leave.
As Pompeii was being buried by volcanic debris from Vesuvius, the residents of Herculaneum believed they had been spared from the worst of the eruption
On the following day the eruption column collapsed in on itself, creating a deadly pyroclastic surge. This has a higher proportion of gas compared to a pyroclastic flow, which moves faster and is incredibly hot. The pyroclastic surge flowed down the slopes of Vesuvius directly to Herculaneum, blasting it with clouds that had a temperature estimated to be around 400°C/750°F and that were moving at around 100 miles per hour.
This instantly killed anyone who was still in the ancient city, but was also hot enough to carbonise anything organic like wood or paper. Further flows hit Herculaneum along with mudslides, which buried the entire settlement under around 20 metres of volcanic materials.
Learn more about Mount Vesuvius using our detailed and dedicated guides:
Rediscovery and Excavations
Beyond a few references in ancient documents, Herculaneum was forgotten. It had been buried so completely and solidly that a medieval town had been built above it without any reference to the ancient settlement.
In the 1700’s the Bourbon royal family of Naples sponsored various investigative works, prompted by local discoveries and rumours of hidden treasures. 1738 marked the first major archaeological works after men digging a well accidentally found part of the Roman theatre, and in the 1750’s the Villa of the Papyri was found complete with a library of ancient scrolls.
The MANN in Naples is now home to a lot of the finer examples of Roman statuary and other artefacts discovered at Herculaneum (and Pompeii)
Herculaneum was difficult to excavate, covered by rock, so when Pompeii was discovered and was found to be much easier to excavate, attention turned to the other site. It was not until the 1920’s when another large project was started at the Herculaneum site, lasting until the 1940’s and unearthing around four hectares of the ancient town.
Further excavations took place in the 1980’s, when the skeletons of people in the boat houses on the ancient shoreline were found, the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. Much of the ancient city remains buried however, partly because of the challenge of removing the volcanic rock that covers it, but also because the modern town of Ercolano is right on top of it.
The Best Time to Visit Herculaneum
Visiting the ancient Roman city of Herculaneum is possible year-round. The archaeological site only closes on a couple of specific days; January 1 and December 25. However, there are points during the year when you will have a different visit experience.
My favorite time of year to visit Herculaneum is very early spring (late February/early March). At this point in the year the weather is still on the cooler side but this is not a bad thing. As the ancient city ruins are down below modern street level you are completely protected and on sunny days it feels a lot warmer there. Also, the gardens around the entrance to the site start to come alive now and visitor numbers are fairly low.
The ruins of Herculaneum are well below the modern street level which can mean protection from bad weather, but also means it gets very hot throughout the site in the Campanian sun
The runner-up position for me would be October. The temperatures have cooled down after the summer but are still very comfortable for being outside all day. Visitor numbers are higher in October compared to early spring, but nothing like those during the peak season earlier in the year.
In the winter we get some glorious days which are ideal for exploring the Herculaneum ruins. Plus, you can purchase tickets last minute as availability is pretty much always there, giving you an element of flexibility. When it is raining though the site is not anywhere near as enjoyable, so for winter visits I would strongly suggest seeing what the weather forecast is before making your plans.
Click to view the essential things you should always have when traveling:
Visiting Herculaneum in the Summer
I tend to avoid Herculaneum in the summer months. This is when the archaeological park is at its most busy, which when combined with the intense heat does not make for the most enjoyable experience!
However this is often the only time many people have the ability to go on holiday so here are my top tips for having a good visit in the summer:
1. Go early. Book tickets for the first few entrance time slots of the day, and time your travel to arrive at 8.30AM when the site opens. Even if your time slot is slightly later, arriving when the gates open mean you can use the bathrooms, admire the site from above and take a little break to hydrate before going inside.
Visiting early not only means you can enter quickly, but you can visit key sites like The House of Neptune and Amphitrite without the crowds
2. Bring plenty of water. There is a small area at the start of the archaeological area with tables and the option to purchase drinks and snacks, but otherwise there is nowhere to replenish your water in the ruins. Bring more than you think you will need.
3. Take advantage of the shade inside the buildings. All over the ruins of ancient Herculaneum there are buildings you can go inside. There is a lot to see inside these buildings anyway, but make the most of the cooler interiors rather than standing out in the sun.
4. Don’t go at the end of the day. With other sites we sometimes suggest waiting to time your visit for the end of the day when crowds are thinner. Do not do this with Herculaneum! The way the ruins are located means that there is no breeze and the heat and humidity just sits there. By the late afternoon it can feel very oppressive which makes it hard to get the most out of your visit.
Curious to know more, or want to share your own tips? Leave a comment!
How to Get to Herculaneum
Getting to Herculaneum by Train from Naples
The simplest way to visit the Herculaneum Archaeological Park is by taking a train from Naples.
The main train station serving the site is Ercolano Scavi. To get here from Naples, you have two options: Line 1, the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento, or Line 4.
Line 1 was traditionally the go-to train for reaching Herculaneum, but recent timetable changes have altered this. These days, Ercolano Scavi is no longer a regular stop on Line 1. With a few early morning and late evening exceptions, only the Campania Express trains now stop at Ercolano Scavi. Since there are just four Campania Express trains departing daily from Napoli Centrale, your choices are pretty limited.
Instead, I recommend using Line 4 when coming from Naples. It departs from the same area as the Circumvesuviana and is operated by the same company, EAV. These trains run approximately every 15 minutes and always make a stop at Ercolano Scavi.
Use the signs in Napoli Centrale to find the platforms and ticket desks for the Circumvesuviana, Campania Express and Linee Vesuviane trains
When searching for your train, note that Line 4’s final destination is Poggiomarino, so keep an eye out for that on the departure boards. Once you arrive at Ercolano Scavi, it’s only a 10–15 minute walk to the park entrance.
Another alternative is to catch a regular regional train from Napoli Centrale towards Salerno, getting off at the Portici – Ercolano station. However, this station is a bit farther from the site, requiring around a 30-minute walk, so it’s best kept as a backup plan.
Getting to Herculaneum by Train from Sorrento
As mentioned earlier, Line 1 (the Circumvesuviana line) links Naples with Sorrento. This is the only train line running from Sorrento and it does stop at Ercolano Scavi.
However, as I explained earlier, Ercolano Scavi isn’t a regular stop for this service. If you’re coming from Sorrento, you’ll either need to catch one of the limited Campania Express trains or plan to travel early in the morning to catch one of the first departures.
The archaeological park opens at 8:30AM, so I suggest catching an early train. This way, you’ll arrive close to opening time, enjoy the site while it’s quieter, and still have plenty of time to continue exploring Naples, Mount Vesuvius, or Pompeii later on.
For the most up-to-date EAV train schedules for both Line 1 and Line 4, head to the official site linked below.
Expand the section labeled “Vesuvian Lines Timetable” / “Orari Linee Vesuviane” and download the relevant PDF for your chosen line.
Other Transport Options
Your other options for getting to Herculaneum are all by road.
If you have a rental car you can drive yourself, from most places in Campania it is a pretty straightforward route. There is also parking near the site making it easy to get in and out.
You can arrange for a private driver to take you to and from Herculaneum. There are some local taxis in Ercolano but I would not use these to go anywhere outside of the immediate area (to Sorrento or Pompeii for example) as these trips can become expensive very fast.
The other option is to book a tour or experience which includes transport. Some are just for Herculaneum, some include other sites like Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius, some are paired with entrance tickets and others guided tours; so you can do exactly the day out you want!
What to See in the Herculaneum Archaeological Site
Given the smaller size of the excavated parts of Herculaneum, it is entirely achievable to see the whole site in one visit.
The ancient decumanus (the main road running north-south) lies at the far edge of the archaeological park. A minor decumanus street runs parallel to it and cardi streets (those running east-west) intersect with them, creating a grid-like pattern.
The remarkable detail and colour of many of the existing frescoes in Herculaneum are simply fantastic
The parts of ancient Herculaneum that have been fully excavated are primarily residential and commercial buildings. There are also sections of bath complexes, temples, and a gymnasium, but the town’s theater, forum, necropolis and other temples are still buried. This does not mean there is not a lot to see!
It would be impossible to list out every part of Herculaneum here, but I’ve listed the places that I always prioritise seeing. Be aware that as different parts of the site can be closed for restorations or preservation work at different times, some of the places noted below may not be open when you visit:
The College of Augustales
Some of the most impressive frescoes you can see are in the College of Augustales. Dedicated to the new Imperial cult that deified Julius Caesar and his adopted son Augustus, the Augustales were influential members of society.
Amazingly, the original epigraph from the day the college was opened still exists and is displayed on a side wall, telling us the names of the two brothers who financed the project.
Inside the college multiple statues of members of the Imperial family were found and marble covers the walls and floor. The height of the walls has been preserved, and you can even see some of the original wooden beams for the upper floor.
This wooden beam doesn’t look that special, but consider that it is almost 2000 years old! Carbonised by Vesuvius’ eruption, the wood in Herculaneum would not have survived in place otherwise
The most impressive part today though are the frescoes around the main shrine. Two vivid panels show different scenes from the story of Hercules which are incredible to see up close.
In between them there is an arch that seems oddly plain in comparison with the two side walls, but historians believe that a large statue of the current emperor would have been placed here.
The level of preservation and vibrancy of the frescoes in The College of Augustales is simply incredible
Casa del Tramezzo di Legno
The House of the Wooden Screen is one of my favorite places on the site. This was a home belonging to an important member of society, with space for people to wait before being brought into the main part of the house.
As well as beautiful mosaic flooring and a variety of different fresco styles, here you will see a partition set up. These doors are made of wood and decorated with bronze, and were perfectly preserved when Vesuvius erupted. Seeing these doors in person is incredible, so don’t miss them!
These doors have been preserved in an amazing condition – normally anything like this made with wood would have decayed by now so it is really special to see
Casa dei Cervi
The House of the Deer (named for two statues of deer found in the gardens) is one of the best villas to see to get an understanding of the grandeur of Herculaneum. With terraces and gardens facing out to see, this house is excellently preserved, including the upper floors.
You can walk around a large part of it, and as you do make sure to look down at the flooring as well as the beautiful frescoes. There are lots of different types of mosaic flooring on display here, which is easy to miss when you see the wall decor!
The rooms of the Casa dei Cervi are all different, so take the time to look around each one carefully
The frescoes here are intricate and striking. Different colour schemes, mythological themes and depictions are everywhere. Even though some were taken to the MANN for preservation, there is still a lot to see here.
The exterior of the Casa dei Cervi is also incredibly well preserved with various decorative elements visible including original marble flooring
The Boat Houses
Not discovered until the 1980’s when a new entrance was being added to reach the archaeological area, the ancient boat house and coastline were revealed through a series of excavations.
These excavations uncovered not only part of an ancient cargo ship (now housed in the Antiquarium near the entrance) and a series of warehouse or storage areas, but the skeletons and possessions of people who had died there.
The structures that lined the coastline of ancient Herculaneum and served as the final resting place of some of the town’s residents are an important stop on any visit route
The minimal number of bodies found elsewhere had led historians to theorise that almost everyone had escaped Herculaneum, but these skeletons proved otherwise. It would seem that these people took refuge here overnight, possibly hoping to escape by boat the next morning, but when the pyroclastic surge hit, they were killed instantly.
The skeletons were eventually removed but exact resin copies of them and the way they were found were left in place. Unlike the plaster casts of Pompeii, there is something more tragic and moving about the position of these people.
You can skip this part if you wish, but I always feel it is important to see them to really understand the human tragedy of the eruption. Yes, it led to the preservation of wonderful pieces of the ancient world, but we do the people who died a disservice not to think about them as well.
The Villa of the Papyri
This villa was one of the first parts of Herculaneum to be discovered in the 1700’s, containing priceless statues and sculptures. More importantly, around 1800 papyrus scrolls were found, carbonised but preserved. With modern techniques it has been possible for researchers to unroll and decipher the text written on these scrolls – how cool is that?!
Further limited excavations were done in the 1990’s and early 2000’s but currently it is not possible to visit the villa. So, the only way to see the treasures from this villa is to go to the Naples National Archaeological Museum to see their collection.
Discover Naples and Campania easily with this pass!
Access over 100 Naples and Campania sites, museums, archeological parks (including Pompeii) with the official tourist pass of the city and region! Save money and make visiting the top sites stress-free – click here to find out more:
Practical Visit Information
The UNESCO World Heritage site is open every day of the year except January 1 and December 25, and stays open rain or shine. Whatever time of year you are planning to visit, make sure you have appropriate shoes, clothes and protective gear. Rain jackets and umbrellas in winter, sunhats and sunscreen in summer – the ruins are pretty exposed so you will be too during your trip.
8.30AM is always the opening time, but the closing time varies according to the time of year. The official website is kept up to date with the seasonal closing times so be sure to confirm these in advance of your visit.
Arriving early will ensure you beat the crowds and can enter the park quickly
With the way the Herculaneum ruins are arranged, the visitor facilities are all up above the actual ruins. Bathrooms, a small refreshment area, a gift shop and cloakroom are all available but not down in the ancient site. So, make sure everyone has done everything they need to before starting to explore!
Visiting Herculaneum with Kids
Herculaneum is a better site for kids than Pompeii in our experience. The smaller site means there is less chance of them getting overwhelmed and there is a big open green space and picnic benches overlooking the ruins to take a break when needed.
There is also an official site map for children you can pick up at the entrance, with a fun mouse mascot and particular things for them to find on their way around the ruins.
There are lots of interesting things for kids to see as you explore the site, like the different faces on water fountains such as this one
Strollers/prams can be a challenge given the uneven paths and stairs but there is a wheelchair route which is smoother (more on this below) which you can follow.
One important thing to note is that along the ancient shoreline there are around 300 skeletons in a number of warehouses. These are copies of the real skeletons but look very realistic and so could well be upsetting to younger kids – it is unsettling even as an adult.
Check out the location on the official site map (you’re looking for the ‘ancient beach and fornices of the fugitives’ and stay away from this area if you are concerned. Luckily it is easy to skip it if needed.
There are plenty of secure lockers available to visitors at Herculaneum – particularly useful to store anything you don’t need during your visit when travelling with children
Accessibility
There is a ‘Herculaneum for Everyone’ route which is clearly marked through the site. Designed for wheelchair users and people with more limited mobility, it provides a stable path that gives access to a large part of the archaeological park.
Many of the buildings have had accessible access added so that everyone can see the frescoes and mosaics inside. The bathrooms, rest areas and office area are all accessibilty-friendly as well.
If you would like to know more or ask specific questions about your needs, take a look at the official site here for more details.
Herculaneum Tickets and Tours
Purchasing tickets online before your visit is a must. In theory you can purchase tickets at the ticket office on site but even in quieter periods, this is not a reliable option.
To really get the most out of your visit, especially if it’s your first time, I strongly suggest joining a tour. There is some signage in the site but the knowledge of the local guides is simply fantastic, they really bring the ancient Roman city to life.
For all the details on getting hold of entrance tickets and the different tour options available, check out our dedicated page here.
How to Combine Your Visit to Herculaneum With Pompeii and/or Mount Vesuvius
Given the proximity of the two archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and the ever-present sight of Mount Vesuvius overlooking both, it is logical to see more than one of these places in one trip.
Seeing Pompeii in the same day as Herculaneum helps to understand the differences between the two in ancient times, and how they were impacted by the eruption of Vesuvius
I’ve done all the combinations, Herculaneum and Vesuvius, Herculaneum and Pompeii, Pompeii and Vesuvius and even all 3 in one day trip – which was a lot!
If you’re on an arranged tour where all 3 sites are included this is manageable, but doing it by yourself involves a lot of travel and you will be rushing in places.
I suggest focusing on two out of the three. All the combinations offer a unique insight into the way Mount Vesuvius has shaped this part of Italy through from the ancient world to modern day so there is no bad choice!
Spending the day across two sights makes it more enjoyable, you will have time for a good lunch somewhere local and won’t feel absolutely exhausted at the end of the experience.
Combination Tours
If the thought of planning multiple trains/coaches, entrance tickets and tours seems too much, the most straightforward route is to book a full day tour with one of our trusted partners. They handle all elements so all you have to do is be at the meeting point on time. Here are some options to get you started:
- Meet your guide at Pompeii for the first part of the tour before carrying on to Herculaneum for the second tour.
- This private tour (also available as a shore excursion) takes you to Herculaneum for a guided tour before a traditional lunch and then transport up Vesuvius.
- Starting in Pompeii, this experience includes private guided tours of both the Pompeii and Herculaneum archaeological park sites and transport between. You can also add on lunch and wine tasting at a vineyard on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius.
- With pick-up and return to Naples, this experience starts at Pompeii before taking you to Herculaneum and then Mount Vesuvius. All entrance tickets are included but there are no guided tours so you can explore by yourself.
- Starting and ending in Sorrento, this full day excursion takes you to all three sites, with guided tours of Pompeii and Herculaneum included in the cost.
- Take this private tour from Naples which includes transportation and guided tours in Pompeii and Herculaneum as well as the entrance ticket for the crater of Vesuvius.
Be sure to Pin this guide if you enjoyed it or found it useful!
Save this page by pinning it and be sure to follow us on Pinterest for more travel inspiration and guides:
To sum up…
Understanding how to visit Herculaneum is crucial for having the best experience, but luckily with a bit of pre-planning it’s very easy to do this! Make sure to check out the site map to make sure you don’t miss anything and always explore each room, you never know what you might see inside.
For lots more Naples and Campania travel tips, tricks and recommendations, be sure to subscribe to our 100% free Napleswise newsletter. Subscribers also get exclusive discounts and perks from our friends and partners helping saving you money on your trip here!
Napleswise’s Top Travel Resources
Ready to book your trip to Naples and Campania? Take a look at these helpful links to friends and partners we use ourselves and trust:
🌊 Book your ferries between Naples, Sorrento, Capri, the Amalfi Coast and more here
🚕 Organise your airport transfer for a stress-free arrival
🛏️ Search for and book your perfect accommodation
🧳 Our complete guide to what to pack for Naples & Campania
⭐️ The number one travel accessory, a multi-point travel adapter and voltage converter
🏛️ Browse a huge range of tours in Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento and beyond
👌 Experience unique tours and special access to Naples’ most popular sights
💪 Protect yourself with comprehensive travel insurance
📱 Stay connected without incurring large fees with a reliable eSim
🔒 Find secure places to leave your luggage when exploring Campania
🚂 Plan your train journeys and purchase tickets all in one place
