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Archaeological site · Pompeia, Campânia
Parco Archeologico di Ercolano
Herculano, the neighboring Roman town buried by the same AD 79 eruption, smaller than Pompeia and with two-storey houses and preserved wood.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Parco Archeologico di Ercolano
Herculano is about 20 kilometres from Pompeia, on the way to Naples. In the AD 79 eruption the town was not buried under ash like Pompeia, but under flows of volcanic material that hardened into a layer up to 20 metres thick. This preserved upper floors, beams, doors and charred wooden furniture.
The excavated area is smaller and is viewed from above, from the modern town of Ercolano. Highlights include the Casa de Netuno e Anfitrite, with a wall mosaic, the Baths, the Casa do Átrio de Mosaico and the ancient shoreline, where hundreds of skeletons were found of people trying to flee by sea.
Because it is smaller, Herculano is a good visit for those short on time or who have already seen Pompeia. The Villa dei Papiri, where carbonized papyrus rolls were found, is nearby but opens only on special occasions.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours.
Best time
In the morning, or combined with a climb of the Vesúvio, which departs from Ercolano. The site usually closes one day a week: check before you go.
How to get there
From Naples or Pompeia, take the Circumvesuviana to Ercolano Scavi station and about a ten-minute walk down the road to the entrance. It is around 20 km from central Pompeia.
Tip
You can combine Herculano and the Vesúvio in the same day: buses to the crater depart near Ercolano Scavi station. Bring water; the site can be hot in summer.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Parco Archeologico di Ercolano
What's the difference between Pompeia and Herculano?
Pompeia is much larger; Herculano is smaller, more compact, and preserves upper floors and carbonized wood.
Can you see Pompeia and Herculano in the same day?
It's possible by Circumvesuviana, but it becomes tiring. Many people prefer a day for each or combine Herculano with Vesuvius.
How to get to Herculano?
By Circumvesuviana to Ercolano Scavi station, about a ten-minute walk from the entrance.