When Mt Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, it sealed a time capsule at the Roman resort town, Herculaneum. Tourists often overlook Herculaneum for the bigger Pompeii. However, Herculaneum is preserved better than Pompeii and easier to explore. It is compact and filled with treasures that take you back in time. I loved my time here exploring the site and love sharing tips. So, read on to learn from this Herculaneum sightseeing guide on how best to enjoy you visit here.
About Herculaneum
During the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD, the ancient Roman town, Herculaneum, became buried under volcanic ash and pumice. It was discovered in 1709 near the Gulf of Naples. Similar to the nearby Pompeii, it became well-preserved and protected by the ash. Herculaneum is a UNESCO WORLD Heritage Site. Many of the most significant artifacts from Herculaneum remain preserved in the Naples National Archaeological Museum.
Because of the mainly pyroclastic material of Herculaneum, it carbonized and preserved better than Pompeii for wooden objects and organic -based materials. Overall, there were 6 flows and surges. The timeline of eruptions became recounted through excavations and 2 letters from Pliny the Younger to the Roman historian Tacitus.
This village was smaller than Pompeii with a population of about 5,000, but wealthier as a seaside Roman resort. Herculaneum became named after its Patron, Hercules. Today, the Italian towns of Ercolano and Portici lie above Herculaneum. Excavations continue with 75% still remaining buried. At least 300 skeletons became discovered at the “boat houses.”
How to Explore Herculaneum
Getting around Herculaneum is easier than Pompeii because it’s smaller. However, I recommend getting a map at the entrance and researching points of interests beforehand. Upon arrival, all the excavated Herculaneum ruins are visible below. Visitors walk around the rim to the entrance down into the excavation site. Don’t miss the views on a clear day of Mt Vesuvius to the north. Keep in mind that the Forum, temples, theatre and many houses remain buried.
The streets separate the city into blocks (insulae). Their boundaries intersect the east-west (cardi) and north-south (decumani) streets. To the east are 2 more blocks called Orientalis I and Orientalis II. The suburban district lies south of Orientalis I. Buildings have their own entrance number.
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Herculaneum Sightseeing Guide &
Ten Points of Interest
Sede degli Augustali / College of Augustales
Originally, this shrine stood dedicated to Hercules, patron of Herculaneum. Later, it became linked to the Imperial cult of Augustali. These priests dedicated themselves to the Roman Emperor, Octavian Augustus, considered a god after his death. Colorful frescoes remain on the side walls. One portrays Hercules in Olympus with Juno and Minerva. The other shows Hercules fighting an Etruscan God.
Villa dei Papiri / Villa of the Papyri
The Villa of the Papyri is one of the most famous sites at Herculaneum. Many believe that Julius Caesar’s father-in-law lived here. He was a patron of poets and philosophers, building the only ancient library remaining well-preserved. In the 18th century, excavations discovered unreadable papyrus scrolls at the villa. They became known as the Herculaneum papyri or scrolls. Now, most of them reside at the National Library, Naples. Even with today’s technology, most of the scrolls remain unreadable.
The villa portrays colorful mosaic floors and frescoes on the walls. It was closed to public when I was there, so check the schedule for this.
Casa di Nettuno e anfitrite / House of Neptune and Amphitrite Mosaic
This is named after the well-preserved, vibrant wall mosaic of Neptune and Amphitrite, belonging to a wealthy family. Beside the mosaic is a courtyard with a nymphaeum designed for banquets with a fountain.
Casa Sannitica / Samnite House
This is one of the oldest mansions in the town, built 300 years before the eruption. The dramatic atrium has upper loggias (covered corridors). The one above the wall is real, however, the ones on the sides are illusory.
Palaestra and Shops
At the end of Decumanus Maximus lies a series of shops, including a bakery and weaver’s shop. Also, included are dye pots, ovens and mills for grinding grains. Along the nearby food shops, containers with walnuts and chickpeas were recovered. The large area behind these shops was the Palaestra, a public field for games and other events.
Casa dei Cervi – House of the Deer
The House of the Deer was another wealthy villa, with two stories built around a central courtyard. In the large garden, marble tables and deer statues stood and are now displayed in onsite museum. The mosaic floors and frescoed walls add to the decorum.
Terme centrali / Central Baths (Men & Women Sections)
Terme suburban / Suburban Baths
The Thermae served as a popular cultural hub. The Central Baths divided into sections for men and women. Near the ancient beach, the Suburban Baths are among the best preserved. Smaller than the central baths, they were either co-ed or used at different times. In the atrium of the baths, water flowed into a pool from the bust of the God Apollo.
Casa del Bicentenario / House of the Bicentenary
The house’s name is based on the date of discovery n 1938, 200 years after excavations started. Stucco on a wall indicates that it once held a wooden Christian cross. St. Paul is known to have preached nearby. So, many believe that this was a meeting place for early converts. If so, it may be the oldest known Christian cross. The fresco on the wall of the tablinum (reception room) portrays Pasiphae and Daedalus.
Casa del Rilleivo di Telefo / House of Relief of Telephus
Near the House of the Deer, this house is named after the marble relief on the wall in excellent condition. The high relief portrays Telefo, the son Hercules, being cured by Achilles. This columns in the atrium support the top floor of this 3-storied mansion. ‘Good Luck’ Discs hung between the columns offering protection from the evil eye and bad influences.
Antica spiaggia / Ancient Beach / Boathouses
From 1980 to the 1990’s, excavations uncovered 340 skeletons in the stone boathouses called fornici at the ancient beach. These people died from the intense heat of the pyroclastic flow, while waiting to be rescued at sea. Along with the skeletons excavations found people’s treasures, such as, coins and jewelry. In 1920 the “Ring Lady” was discovered, named after her rings on each finger.
Getting to Vesuvius
The Circumvesuviana trains connect Naples and Sorrento to Herculaneum. Shuttle buses from Naples also bring you to Herculaneum. However, the buses are less flexible. Both train and bus drop you off about a 10-minute walk from the archeological site.
Enjoy Herculaneum!
This archeological site is such a gem and often overlooked by Pompeii. However, Herculaneum is just as fascinating and easier to navigate. Its area is compact and easier to explore for treasures to discover. Please leave comments below if you explored Herculaneum and have tips to share!
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