The Archaeological Park of Herculaneum is the perfect place to relive the daily life of ancient Romans. Its remains, buried by the eruption of Vesuvius and thus preserved in perfect condition, offer an incredible journey into the past.
Ancient Herculaneum, destroyed in 79 AD, is renowned for its tragic fate, closely linked to Pompeii. An open-air spectacle awaits, promising a unique experience.
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Opening days
From Monday to Sunday
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Opening times
- From March 16th to October 14th: From 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM (last entry at 6:00 PM; the archaeological area must be vacated by 7:00 PM)
- From October 15th to March 15th: From 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 3:30 PM; the archaeological area must be vacated by 4:40 PM)
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Closing
From the 20th of March 2024 to 22nd of March 2024 Casa dei Cervi is closed for maintenance.
- Web Archaeological Park of Herculaneum
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Feature List
- Info line
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Accessibility
Visitors with motor disabilities can contact the security personnel at the entrance so that appropriate arrangements can be made for their access to the archaeological area through the ramp of the third cardo.
Herculaneum was founded, according to legend, by the mythical hero Hercules upon his return from Iberia. Initially influenced by indigenous settlements, it later absorbed Samnite, Greek, and Etruscan influences, ultimately succumbing to Roman dominance. Buried by the Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD, it was unearthed from 1710 onwards, as the Bourbon kings initiated excavations. Over the centuries, archaeological efforts became more organized, revealing extensive sections of the city to tourists and scholars. The currently visitable area was largely excavated from 1927 to 1958.
VISITING THE HERCULANEUM EXCAVATIONS
Exploring the Herculaneum Excavations unveils the city's urban fabric, the dramatic layout of houses, the exceptional thermal complex, and the monumental basilica. The city yielded remarkable finds, including the beautiful Villa of the Papyri, perched on the sea, housing over 1800 papyri and marvelous sculptures.
The extraordinary preservation of wood, bronze elements, and especially the house structures provides a clear and detailed insight into Roman residential architecture and the various styles of Vesuvian painting
Services
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Visits
For groups by reservation
available in Italian, English
+39 0810106490 from Monday to Saturday except holidays, from 9.00 to 17.00
[email protected] -
Didactics for schools
For schools by reservation
available in Italian, English
+39 0810106490 from Monday to Saturday except holidays, from 9.00 to 17.00
[email protected] -
Wardrobe
Open every day
Additional Info
The site will be open for free on the first Sunday of each month and on April 25th, June 2nd, and November 4th.
Where
Corso Resina 187 e Via dei Papiri Ercolanesi, Ercolano (NA)
Transportation
Circumvesuviana:
Naples-Sorrento Line
Naples-Poggiomarino Line
Naples-Torre Annunziata Line
Ercolano Station
Visiting Rules
Access to the Archaeological Park of Herculaneum is allowed with dogs, without restriction of breed or size. It remains the obligation to keep the dog on a leash or muzzle (the latter for all breeds and the opportunities provided by current regulations) and to have bags for collecting any manure. In this experimental phase, for logistical and conservative reasons in the Antiquarium, inside the Padiglione della Barca and in the domus with mosaic floors, access is allowed only to dogs carried in their arms or in the appropriate carrier.
