Ruins of Herculaneum

The ruins of Herculaneum offer a remarkably well-preserved window into life in the ancient Roman world. Like Pompeii, Herculaneum was buried during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, but the town’s preservation is even more extraordinary due to the volcanic material that sealed buildings, organic materials, and architectural details in place. Visitors can explore multi-story homes, intricate mosaics, wooden elements, and vividly colored frescoes that reveal the daily life and refined tastes of this once-prosperous coastal town.

Located near Naples, Herculaneum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provides a more intimate and less crowded experience than Pompeii. Walking through its streets allows travelers to see ancient Roman engineering up close, from bathhouses and shops to private villas overlooking the ancient shoreline. Whether visited on its own or paired with Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius, Herculaneum offers a powerful and immersive journey into ancient history.