The Lost City of Herculaneum: Uncovering the Secrets of an Ancient Civilization
Herculaneum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular attraction and was an ancient Roman city located on the coast of the Bay of Naples, near the base of Mount Vesuvius. It was founded in the 6th century BC and was a thriving coastal city with a population of around 4,000 people.
The city was known for its beautiful architecture and luxurious villas, which were popular vacation destinations for wealthy Romans. Herculaneum was also an important center for trade and commerce, with a bustling port that connected it to other cities throughout the Mediterranean.
In AD 79, the eruption of Mount Vesuvius buried Herculaneum and nearby Pompeii in a thick layer of ash and pumice, preserving the city for centuries. Unlike Pompeii, Herculaneum was not completely destroyed by the volcanic eruption, and many of its buildings and artifacts remained intact.
You can explore the city's streets, homes, and public buildings, marveling at the well-preserved frescoes, mosaics, and other artifacts that offer a glimpse into the daily life of the ancient Romans.
Travel - With the Campania Artecard
Mount Vesuvius to Herculaneum
1. Take the EAV Bus (line 5) back from the Mount Vesuvius parking lot to Ercolano Scavi, which is the train station located next to the Herculaneum archaeological site. From there, it's just a short walk to the entrance of Herculaneum. 30 - 40 mins bus ride.
Fare:
€2.50-€3.50 p/p one way. Purchase ticket directly from the driver or from ticket machines at the bus stop.
2. Car or Taxi: You can also take a taxi or drive their own car from Mount Vesuvius to Herculaneum. The drive takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
3. Guided Tour: Many tour operators offer guided tours that include both Mount Vesuvius and Herculaneum in a single day trip. This option is ideal for visitors who want to learn more about the history and significance of both sites while traveling with a knowledgeable guide.
With our Campania Artecard, entrance was free.
Entrance Fee
€15 for adults
€9 €9 for EU citizens between 18 and 24 years old
Free for EU citizens under 18 and over 65 years old
Campania Artecard
At Napoli Centrale we purchased the 3-day Campania Artecard that allowed unlimited travel on public transportation in the Campania region of Italy, including Naples, Sorrento, and Pompeii. The card can also be used to access certain attractions, such as museums and archaeological sites, at a discounted price.
€32 – 3 days for adults
The 3-day Campania Arte Card gives free admission to the first two sites visited and then up to 50% discount on further sites for the three-day card. We used it for Pompeii and Herculaneum for free admissions.
After visiting Mount Vesuvius in the morning, we headed to Herculaneum, where we spent the afternoon before catching the train back to Naples.
What to see
The site is vast, and there is much to explore, so allow plenty of time for your visit.
1. Houses: Herculaneum is known for its well-preserved houses, which were once the homes of wealthy Romans. The houses are adorned with beautiful frescoes, mosaics, and marble decorations.
2. Public buildings: The site includes several public buildings, such as the thermal baths, the forum, and the basilica. These structures provide insight into the daily life of the ancient Romans.
3. Skeletal remains: One of the most haunting features of Herculaneum is the discovery of the skeletal remains of the city's inhabitants who perished during the volcanic eruption. Some of these remains are on display at the site.
4. Artifacts: Herculaneum's excavation has revealed a wealth of ancient Roman artifacts, including jewelry, pottery, and household items. Many of these objects are on display in the site's museum.
5. Boat houses: Herculaneum is unique in that it has preserved ancient boat houses, which once housed the city's fishing boats. You can explore these structures and imagine what life was like for the city's fishermen.
6. Suburban Baths: The Suburban Baths are a well-preserved example of the luxurious bathing complexes that were popular among the ancient Romans. You can see the various rooms and features of the baths, including the calidarium (hot room), tepidarium (warm room), and frigidarium (cold room).
7. Hall of the Augustales: Also known as the Augustales’ Sanctuary, is a well-preserved archaeological site located in this ancient Roman city. The site was discovered during the excavation of the ancient city in the 18th century and is believed to have been a religious and social center for the city's elite during the 1st century AD.
The Hall of the Augustales is a large rectangular hall with a raised platform at one end, which is believed to have been used for religious rituals and ceremonies honoring the Emperor Augustus and his family. The hall is decorated with intricate frescoes and features a series of small rooms that were likely used for storage and administrative purposes.
8. The Palaestra: It was a large open-air gymnasium used for physical exercise and training in sports such as wrestling, boxing, and gymnastics. The Palaestra is believed to have been built during the 1st century BC and was a popular gathering place for the city's elite.
The Palaestra is a rectangular courtyard surrounded by a colonnade and features a central swimming pool, which was used for swimming and other water-based exercises. The site also includes a number of small rooms, which were likely used for changing, storage, and administrative purposes.
Explore and imagine what life was like in ancient Rome. The site is well-preserved, with intricate mosaics and frescoes still visible on the walls and floors.
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