Located at the foot of mount Vesuvius, Herculaneum was completely destroyed by the eruption in 79 A.C, and just like Pompeii it’s main attraction is it’s archaeological sites. According to the legend the mythical Hercules founded the town and from this, comes it’s name. Historically, it’s foundation dates back to the first century when it was a Greek town. It’s name would come in fact from the Greek word, Erakeion, or in latin, Herculaneum.

THINGS NOT TO MISS

Archaeological sites: Different from Pompeii, the sites of Herculaneum weren’t buried by lapis and ash, but by huge avalanches of volcanic mud which later hardened in tufo-type rock which better preserved the furniture and the wooden structure of the buildings. Observing these details, archaeologists started their studies to find out as much as possible about the life style, tendencies and habits of people living here about 2000 years ago. Among the most important sites, there is the House of Argus, a very impressive place, although it is partly covered by a thick layer of tufo. The widest and noblest building is the Hotel which despite the actions of man, has been preserved perfectly. Next to it is the skeleton house so called for its human skeleton findings. Then there is the House of the Mosaic Atrium which was a grand villa in its day, and retains its mosaic laid atrium, corrugated by the force of the tufo, and a fresco representing Diana and Attenone . The Samnite House whose atrium is one of the most attractive in Herculaneum, with a graceful blind arcade and elegant frescoes all the way around it. Close by the House of Neptune and Anfrite, “the shop,” which holds still intact the furniture and vases containing goods such as cereals and legumes, burnt by the heat and volcanic mud. The Decumanus Massimo is the richest area, even though only a small part can be seen; from here people arrived at the forum. The House of Bicentenary, so called as it was discovered only after two centuries, is particularly important because a cross was found here, which shows evidence the presence of Christian religion since the time of the eruption. The House of Deer was another luxury villa in its day, located to the south of the town, overlooking the gulf of Naples. Close by, a covered passageway leads down to the baths with an atrium which acted as a gym of sorts, and was divided in a men a women’s section.

THE VILLAS Herculaneum has some more historical and naturalistic treasures such as the Vesuvian villas, built in 1700 along the coastline from Herculaneum to Torre del Greco, called “miglio d’oro” (mile of gold) for its beauty. Villa Campolieto was partly built by Luigi and Carlo Vanvitelli. The building was realized in 1977 by Ente Ville Vesuviane. Today it is the site for exhibitions and cultural events. Villa Favorita was the residence of King Ferdinando IV of the Bourbons. It has this name as it reminded Maria Carolina, Ferdinando’s wife, of her favourite villa, Villa of Schonbrun.

FROM SORRENTO TO HERCULANEUM

Distance: 38 Km

By car: follow the SS 145 to Naples, then the A3 in the same direction, and exit at Herculaneum.

By train: take the Circumvesuviana train to Naples and get off at Herculaneum.

INFORMATION AND USEFUL NUMBERS

Police: Phone 0817776904

Post office: Via Panoramica 298- Via Benedetto Cozzolino 56

Tourist office: Corso Resina 39, phone 0817881243