Discovering Herculaneum

Tucked away on the Bay of Naples, in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, step away from the tourist trail to discover the sights of Herculaneum, a remarkable archaeological site that is often overlooked by its famous neighbour, Pompeii. This ancient Roman town offers a glimpse into the past and the everyday lives of those who once lived there.

For a long time, Pompeii has drawn the lion's share of tourists looking to explore the cobbled streets, visit the amphitheatre and admire its statues. And yet, Herculaneum is a hidden delight for travellers seeking to be immersed in history without the larger crowds. It’s believed that the town was once a seaside resort, favoured by the Roman elite for its luxurious villas, comfortable climate, and scenic views. Today, you can walk the same streets, enter the same homes, and explore the same public buildings as the residents who lived there nearly two millennia ago.

Step Back in Time

If you’ve already visited Pompeii, as you enter Herculaneum, the first thing that strikes you is how much smaller it is. But this only adds to its charm. The streets, paved with ancient stones, are narrower, the buildings more compact, and the atmosphere much quieter.

Among the most impressive sites is the House of the Wooden Partition, where you’ll marvel at the wooden door still perfectly intact, a rare survivor from ancient times. Nearby, the Villa of the Papyri beckons with its grand architecture, bronze and marble sculptures and unique library. This villa gets its name from the 1,800 papyrus scrolls that were discovered in 1750. Many of these have been recovered and are being studied today to provide insight into life of the time.

The public baths of Herculaneum are another highlight – used for socialising as much as hygiene. In this large bathing complex, you’ll see walls adorned with elaborate frescoes and intricate mosaics that speak of the town's wealth and the importance of bathing in Roman culture.

As you wander through the area, you’ll also find the Boat Houses – structures along the old shoreline that housed small boats, the Thermopolium considered to be an ancient restaurant or tavern and the Communal Basilica, a grand building that is believed to have served as a court and meeting hall.

What sets Herculaneum apart from other sites in Italy (and beyond) is the level of preservation - wooden furniture, colourful frescoes, and everyday objects have survived in an incredible state. It's impossible not to think about the people who once lived here and how their lives have been frozen in time in a way that allows us to learn more about ancient Italy.