Hercolaneum
Archaeological park
Herculaneum is a real archaeological gem. Less known than nearby Pompeii for its limited extent, just 4.5 hectares are visible in the open air over an area that in its time must have been about 20 hectares in size.
Here it is possible to capture the most intimate and human aspects of everyday life in a Roman city of about 4000 inhabitants.
The particular type of burial produced by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD allowed the organic materials (doors, windows, food, plants, fabrics, wicker baskets, ropes, wooden tables and furniture in general) to be preserved thanks to the phenomenon of carbonization due to the pyroclastic flows which solidified under a blanket of 16/20 meters of volcanic mud and ash mixed with water the whole inhabited area.
The excavations here began in 1738 at the behest of the King of Naples Charles III of Bourbon but only in the 80s of the twentieth century was it possible to reach the ancient beach where the bodies of 300 skeletons and the incredible wreckage of a long wooden boat lay 9 m.
On permanent display it is possible to admire the precious jewels and jewels made of gold and gems, the amulets and coins that the fugitives brought with them in their last moments of life with the hope of saving the small heritage they owned.
This is the most moving and raw photograph of life stuck in its final spasm.
The archaeological site offers a large typological variety of domus: it ranges from large noble residences overlooking the Gulf of Naples, to small houses equipped with bathroom and kitchen.
Remarkable and unique in the world archaeological panorama is the presence of high floors, incredibly supported by authentic wooden beams.
It is exciting to walk through the network of streets where colorful shops overlook, still equipped with terracotta containers (dolia) that once contained oil, wine and various foods.
In Herculaneum the perfectly preserved water and sewage system is amazing.
It is possible to see the lead pipes (fistulas) that emerge from the sidewalks and travertine fountains with beautiful medallions engraved in relief.
The public baths offer the visitor the amazement of the gaze, considering the decorative mastery of the equipment, and the rational awareness of the technical skills possessed by the Roman engineers.
Herculaneum is the ideal destination for those who shy away from the large crowds of mass tourism.
Archaeological site generally quiet and intimate, in a half day visit the visitor can receive a faithful and authentic image of what could have been the daily life in the times of the Roman Emperors.
Information
summer 8.30 – 19.00
(last entry 18.00)
winter 8.30 – 17.00
(last admission 15.30)
Closing days:
January 1st
May 1
25th December
Entrance ticket cost:
€ 13 full
free under 18
€ 2 reduced EU citizens
(18/24 years old document required)
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