Herculaneum Archaeological Park (Parco Archeologico di Ercolano)

The basics

Herculaneum, like the city of Pompeii, was buried by the AD 79 eruption of Mt. Vesuvius (Monte Vesuvio). Unlike Pompeii, however, Herculaneum was preserved rather than destroyed by the blast, so many of the original Roman buildings are still standing—including a few that have an intact second story—giving visitors a more accurate feel for what the city looked like before the eruption. The volcanic ash and mud that covered Herculaneum sealed frescoes and mosaics decorating the homes and baths, protected wooden furniture, and even encased food in household kitchens. Today, the modern city of Ercolano sits above sections of the ancient city that haven’t yet been unearthed.

To fully understand the history and importance of the ruins, it’s best to book Herculaneum Archaeological Park tours with a private guide or small group. Herculaneum is a very popular attraction, so tours including skip-the-line tickets are a must in the busy summer months. As the ruins are located near Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius, all three sights can easily be combined in a full-day tour.

Things to know before you go

• Herculaneum is a must-see for ancient history buffs.

• Kids especially enjoy exploring the Herculaneum ruins—choose a tour with a guide who is adept at engaging the whole family.

• Almost all of the remains of the ancient town are outdoors, so be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen in the summer, as well as comfortable shoes.

• Most of the archaeological site at Herculaneum is accessible to wheelchair users.

How to get there

Herculaneum is located just north of Naples along the Bay of Naples. It’s centrally positioned for an easy day trip or shore excursion from Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and even Rome. The Ercolano train station is just a 10-minute walk from the Herculaneum park and ticket office.

When to get there

The archaeological site is almost entirely outdoors, so it is best to avoid visiting on hot days. Since it’s open year-round, purchase your Herculaneum Archaeological Park tickets during the pleasant months of September, April, or May. In the summer, visit in the early morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the intense midday heat.

Choosing Herculaneum over Pompeii

Where much of the Pompeii Archaeological Site is off-limits to visitors due to the instability of many structures, almost all of Herculaneum is open to the public. You can walk right into many of the ancient Roman town’s buildings, such as the richly decorated House of the Deer or House of Neptune and Amphitrite. The experience is eerie and poignant, as it can feel as though the owners have just stepped out for the moment rather than having died in a volcanic eruption two millennia ago.

Ways to explore

To fully understand the history and significance of Herculaneum’s frescoes, mosaics, and city ruins, it’s best to book Herculaneum Archaeological Park tours with a private guide or small group. Herculaneum is a popular attraction, so tours including skip-the-line access are recommended in summer.

As Herculaneum’s ruins are located near Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius, it’s easy to visit all three sights on a full-day tour. Several options include transportation from Naples, which is about half an hour away by car, and some add volcano hikes and vineyard lunches to the experience.

Accessibility

Herculaneum Archaeological Park is wheelchair accessible, with a designated route for those with limited mobility.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water bottle, sunscreen

What to wear

Dress appropriately for the historic nature of the attraction, and wear a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes since you’ll be outdoors with minimal shade.

Not allowed

Damaging or defacing monuments and artifacts, entering restricted areas, smoking, littering, bulky bags

Amenities

Restrooms, luggage storage, food court, bookshop

Address

Herculaneum Archaeological Park is a popular day trip from destinations such as Naples, about a 30-minute drive away, and Sorrento, around 60-90 minutes away. There are also trains from both cities to Herculaneum, though booking a guided tour with transportation included is the easiest way to get to the park.

Driving

From Naples, head southeast on the A3 Napoli-Salerno motorway and exit at Ercolano Scavi. The Herculaneum Archaeological Park parking lot is just a few minutes away at Via dei Papiri Ercolanesi 19.

Public transportation

The Circumvesuviana train gets you from Naples to the Ercolano Scavi station, about a 10-minute walk from the archaeological site, in about 20 minutes. Once inside the Napoli Centrale station, follow the signs for the Circumvesuviana platform beneath the main train station.

Best times to visit

There’s little shade in the open-air Herculaneum Archaeological Park, so visit in the morning before the sun heats up the site.

Best days to visit

Save money by visiting on the first Sunday of the month, when admission is free, or go on a weekday for fewer crowds.

Best months to visit

Herculaneum Archaeological Park is an outdoor attraction, so you’ll have the most comfortable experience from March to May, when daytime temperatures hover between 65°F (18°C) and 75°F (24°C).