This ancient Roman town near Mount Vesuvius contains remarkably preserved ruins, mosaics, and frescoes from 79 AD, buried by volcanic ash for nearly 2,000 years.
Ercolano sits at the foot of Mount Vesuvius in southern Italy. You can walk through the ancient Roman streets of Herculaneum, where wooden beams and furniture from 79 CE still remain intact. The town's Corso Resina street contains 18th-century villas with decorated courtyards, while the Pugliano market buzzes with vendors selling vintage Italian fashion. Local vineyards on Vesuvius's slopes produce Lacryma Christi wine, which you can taste at several wine cellars in town.
Exploring Ancient Herculaneum
The archaeological site of Herculaneum contains well-preserved Roman ruins from 79 CE. The volcanic material that covered the town preserved wooden structures and organic materials, allowing you to see details like wooden bed frames and food remains. The site opens daily except Wednesdays from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM in summer and until 5:30 PM in winter. Plan three hours to explore the ancient streets, houses with their original wooden furniture, and mosaic floors.
Climbing Mount Vesuvius
Mount Vesuvius and Monte Somma make up the national park area. You can take regular buses from Ercolano to reach the walking path leading to the crater. The hike to the summit takes about 30 minutes, where you'll see the Bay of Naples and the surrounding countryside. The path consists of volcanic gravel, so wear sturdy shoes and bring water.
Walking the Miglio d'Oro
Along Corso Resina, also known as the Miglio d'Oro (Golden Mile), you'll find 18th-century villas built during the Kingdom of Naples. The buildings, created during the Bourbon period, maintain their original decorative elements, gardens, and courtyards. You can see intricate frescoes, marble staircases, and formal gardens as you walk the route.
Shopping at Pugliano Market
On Via Pugliano, local vendors sell vintage clothing and second-hand items called "pezze" or "stracci." The market extends in front of the Basilica of Santa Maria a Pugliano. You'll find everything from 1950s Italian fashion to modern clothing at low prices.
Getting Around
The Circumvesuviana railway connects Ercolano to nearby cities. Trains run between Naples and Sorrento, stopping at Ercolano Scavi station, a 10-minute walk from the archaeological site. Trains depart every 20 minutes. The trip takes 15 minutes from Naples and 50 minutes from Sorrento. Naples-Capodichino airport is 15 kilometers away.
