Ruins of Herculaneum
Port
Salerno, Italy
Activity Level
high
Duration
4:00 Hours
Founded around the 5th century BC, Herculaneum became a favoured summer retreat for wealthy Romans, drawn by its stunning position overlooking the Bay of Naples. Elegant seaside villas lined the town, richly decorated with vibrant frescoes, intricate mosaics and fine sculptures that reflected the refined lifestyle of its residents.
Herculaneum has a very different atmosphere from other ancient sites – even its famous neighbour, Pompeii. Smaller and more intimate, it is astonishingly well preserved. When Mount Vesuvius erupted, the town was buried not by ash and stones, but by a thick torrent of volcanic mud. This created an extraordinary sealing effect, protecting houses, shops, bath complexes and even wooden structures, foodstuffs and textiles. As a result, Herculaneum offers one of the most vivid and authentic insights into everyday life in the Roman world.
On this guided walk, you’ll explore the atmospheric streets of Herculaneum and uncover the fascinating stories hidden within its ruins – a powerful and unforgettable journey into antiquity.
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