About Herculaneum Tickets

Herculaneum tickets will give you access to the ancient town of Herculaneum. With these tickets, you can visit everything, right from ancient villas and tavernas to bathhouses, clothes, and furniture. Herculaneum is an ancient town located in the vicinity of Ercolano, Campania, Italy. There are a number of things to see at Herculaneum, which is the lesser-known sister city of Pompeii, which was destroyed in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Even though the ancient town was well preserved under the rocks and ashes ejected during the eruption, it has been overshadowed by the fame of Pompeii. As you take a stroll in the ruins of the city, you will be amazed by the variety of things in perfectly preserved condition. You can also witness a wide range of objects that have been kept intact under the layers of ash from the volcanic eruption. You can see the old arena, which is as old as a city block along with The Palestra, which once housed the giant statue of Hercules, from which the town got its name. The immense wealth of this ancient town is reflected even in the ruins of Herculaneum. Considering the tourist footfall, it is better to pre-book the tickets to avoid last-minute rush as well as inconvenience. Thanks to the digital invasion, the tickets can be booked online right from the comfort of your home.

Why Visit Herculaneum

Herculaneum tickets offer you the perfect way to gain an insight into the art and culture of the ancient Roman Empire within a limited time. The ruins of the city were accidentally discovered in 1738, after being buried under 16 meters of ash and mud, preserving the different aspects of the vibrant city. It takes only around 2-3 hours to explore the most important building and sites in the ancient town and get a history lesson most interestingly and engagingly. While walking through the ruins, you can enjoy the sight of almost perfectly preserved homes with their interior décor and architecture intact. You can even see millennia-old wooden furniture, decorations, textiles, jewellery, food items, books, and human waste. These diverse items help you to gain a better understanding of the day-to-day life of the people living in this ancient port city before it was destroyed by the volcanic eruption.

Things to see at Herculaneum

House of Neptune
House of Neptune

The site was created to commemorate the Gods Neptune and Amphitrite. The House of Neptune is known for its well-preserved glass mosaic wall with a marble mask and spectacular wall paintings. The mosaic wall reflects the exclusive taste of the owner and features designs and intricate patterns of Gods created in vivid colours. The site also houses an eye-pleasing alcove and courtyard. You can also view the ruins of an ancient fountain that used to be there. Despite its modest size, the house reflects the grandeur of the elite town in that era.


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Villa of the Papyri
Villa of the Papyri

The villa was once known as the most luxurious and magnificent villa in Herculaneum. The villa became famous due to the discovery of several papyrus scrolls containing illegible text. The Herculaneum tickets include an exploration of the villa, which was once believed to be the seafront retreat for Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus, the father-in-law of Julius Caesar. The mesmerizing sight of its magnificent architecture, sculptures made of marble and bronze, and numerous frescoes is sure to transport you back in time.


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Thermae (Baths)
Thermae (Baths)

The thermal baths or thermae were amongst the finest buildings in the ancient port city. With clearly demarcated separate sections for men and women, the baths were the perfect place for social interactions. You can witness the still-intact furnace that was used for heating the water. You can also explore the changing rooms, storage areas for clothes, and areas for cold and hot water bathing. Almost every wall of the thermae is covered in mosaic patterns and images of various sea creatures.


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Hall of the Augustales
Hall of the Augustales

The hall gets its name from the fact that it was a meeting place and the official seat for the devotees of the cult of Emperor Augustus. The quadrangular layout of the building has walls featuring blind arches and four distinct columns. An opening in the roof fills the room with natural light. The hall features a fresco on the left wall showing Hercules, Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva entering Mount Olympus. The right wall fresco depicts the fight between Hercules and Achelous.


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Samnite House
Samnite House

The excavation projects identified the Samnite House to be amongst the oldest aristocratic residences of Herculaneum. It is believed that the house was already around 300 years old when the city was toppled by the volcanic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. You can witness its famous atrium influenced by Greek architecture and painted in the Fourth Style. The house is also well-known for its magnificent flooring, columns and pillars that are still standing, and its amazing rainwater pool.


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House of the Deer
House of the Deer

A visit to the House of Deers is integral to most Herculaneum tickets and tour packages because of its historic prestige and majestic architecture. The site houses a grand villa featuring an elaborate design across its two floors. The ocean-facing villa features a huge courtyard and a garden which were once decorated with statues of deers and large marble tables and can now be found in the on-site museum. The sight of the villa's unique flooring covered in intricate mosaics, frescos, and marble chips will leave you mesmerized.


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Plan Your Visit

Timings
Best Time To Visit Herculaneum
Tips And Guidelines
Timings

The archaeol site is open for visitors from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM, with the last entry allowed before 6:00 PM. The site remains closed on 1 January, 1 May, and 25 December.


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Book Pompeii Tickets

FAQs

Are Herculaneum tickets available online now?

    Yes, Herculaneum tickets are available online and can be booked digitally from almost anywhere around the globe. It not only helps save time for the visitors but also enables them to choose their preferred visit timing. They can thus plan their trip better and avoid spending hours waiting in line for tickets.

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