The Herculaneum scavi (excavations) offer a profound glimpse into Roman life, distinct from its more famous counterpart, Pompeii. Buried under a pyroclastic flow from Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79, Herculaneum was preserved in a unique, almost airtight seal. This preservation has allowed wooden structures, furniture, and even organic materials to survive, making the Herculaneum ruins an unparalleled archaeological treasure and a must-see UNESCO World Heritage site.

History of Herculaneum

According to legend, the city was founded by Hercules. Historically, Herculaneum was a smaller, wealthier coastal town than Pompeii, acting as a resort for the Roman elite. Its end came on August 24, A.D. 79. Unlike Pompeii, which was initially covered by ash and pumice, Herculaneum was hit by a superheated avalanche of gas and rock (pyroclastic flow). This material instantly carbonized and encased the city, leading to the exceptional preservation discovered centuries later. The systematic herculaneum excavations began in the 18th century, pioneering the field of archaeology.

What to see in the ruins

Visiting the site allows you to walk through the ancient streets and see domestic life frozen in time. Key features of what to see herculaneum include:

• The House of the Deer (Casa dei Cervi): A luxurious seaside villa with a spectacular terrace and marble statues.
• The House of the Bicentenary (Casa del Bicentenario): One of the largest houses, featuring an entire upper floor and beautiful frescoes.
• The Hall of the Boat (Sacello degli Augustali): Dedicated to the imperial cult, with vividly preserved wall paintings.
• The Samnite House (Casa Sannitica): A well-preserved example of an older Roman home design.
• The Suburban Baths (Terme Suburbane): An excellent example of Roman bathhouse architecture with frigidarium (cold bath), tepidarium (warm bath), and calidarium (hot bath).
• The Boat Houses (Fornici): These waterfront arches held a tragic discovery in the 1980s: the skeletons of hundreds of residents who had sought refuge from the eruption.

Tips for visiting

To make the most of your trip to the Herculaneum scavi, consider the following advice:

• Timing: Herculaneum is smaller than Pompeii and can be comfortably explored in 2-3 hours. Arrive early to avoid the largest crowds.
• Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes, as the ancient Roman streets are uneven.
• Water: Bring water, especially during the summer, as shade is limited.
• Guide/Audio Guide: Due to the detailed preservation, consider hiring an official guide or renting an audio guide to fully appreciate the features like carbonized wood and mosaics.

How to get to the excavations

The Herculaneum ruins (Ercolano Scavi) are easily accessible from Naples or Sorrento.

• Train: The most direct route is the local Circumvesuviana train line (Naples-Sorrento direction). Get off at the “Ercolano Scavi” stop. From the station, it is a straightforward 10-15 minute walk downhill along the main street (Via IV Novembre) to the archaeological entrance.
• Car: Take the A3 motorway and exit at Ercolano. Parking is available near the entrance.