Herculaneum

Herculaneum, located in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, was a prosperous Roman town buried by the same catastrophic eruption that destroyed Pompeii in 79 AD. Unlike Pompeii, Herculaneum was covered by a deep layer of pyroclastic flow, which carbonized organic materials and preserved wooden structures, furniture, and even food. Today, visitors can walk through remarkably intact streets, houses, and public buildings, gaining a vivid sense of Roman life. The site is less crowded than Pompeii, allowing for a more contemplative experience. Highlights include the thermal baths, the House of the Deer, and the ancient shoreline where skeletons of fleeing residents were found. The on-site archaeological museum displays artifacts such as jewelry, frescoes, and carbonized loaves of bread.

Don't miss

• Walk through the ancient streets and see the original paving stones and shop fronts.
• Visit the thermal baths with well-preserved mosaics and heating systems.
• Explore the House of the Deer, a luxurious villa with a garden and marble furnishings.
• See the carbonized wooden furniture and organic remains in the storage rooms.
• View the ancient skeletons at the boat sheds, offering a poignant glimpse of the disaster.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Herculaneum

Cheapest way inSecret Herculaneum: The Hidden Treasure of Ancient Roman Civilization4.9★ · 29 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$34 per personSee dates →Most bookedPompeii Small Group Tour with an Archaeologist4.8★ · 7,289 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$34 per personSee dates →Private & flexiblePrivate Walking Tour through the Historical City of Herculaneum5★ · 52 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$99 per personSee dates →