Discover Ercolano

In Ercolano, ancient urban history, architecture and volcanic landscapes offer distinct themes for visitors. The archaeological site makes it possible to trace everyday life in an ancient city at a specific point in history. Together with Pompeii and Oplontis, Ercolano is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Archaeological remains include streets, villas, shops, baths and places of worship.

Understanding the Roman city layout

In the excavated city, the Decumani run parallel to the coast, while the Cardines are arranged perpendicular to them. These directions help visitors understand the layout as an orderly street network, rather than viewing the city merely as a collection of individual buildings. The Theater of Ercolano had a capacity of about 2,500 people. The suburban baths are also among the best-preserved Roman bath buildings in the world.

The Villa dei Papiri opens up another aspect of ancient heritage: it takes its name from the discovery of more than 1,800 charred papyrus scrolls associated with a large ancient library. The villa remains buried beneath the modern city in volcanic material and is closed.

Archaeology, interpretation and architecture

The MAV in Ercolano combines archaeology and technology to create an immersive visitor experience. Virtual reconstructions, holograms and interactive installations recreate everyday life in Pompeii and Ercolano. The MAV comprises more than 70 multimedia installations in total. Digital interpretation thus offers a distinct way of exploring history, alongside the archaeological city itself.

At Villa Campolieto, the story of its patron and its architecture come together. Prince Luzio De Sangro, Duke of Casacalenda, had the villa built and commissioned Mario Gioffredo to design and carry out the work in 1755. At the rear, an elliptical portico with Tuscan columns opens up. It forms a covered viewpoint overlooking the sea. After a six-year restoration, Villa Campolieto was reopened to the public.

City life and volcanic landscapes

Resina Market is in the center of Ercolano and specializes in vintage and retro fashion. Its origins date back to the Second World War, when goods and clothing from passing American transport trains were sold there. The Basilica di Pugliano is considered the oldest church in Ercolano and the wider Vesuvius area.

The “Il Gran Cono” nature trail No. 5 offers a different kind of landscape experience. It begins at 1,000 meters above sea level in the municipality of Ercolano. The trail crosses volcanic ash, lapilli and small lava flows formed during the effusive phases of the 1944 eruption. From the summit, there are views of the Gulf of Naples and the city of Naples.

Getting to the archaeological park

From Naples Central Station, you can reach the archaeological park by taking the Circumvesuviana to Ercolano Scavi station and then walking for six minutes. By car, take the A3 Naples–Salerno motorway and exit at Ercolano Scavi.

These themes offer different starting points for planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Afragola, Quarto, Marigliano, Frattamaggiore, Pompei, Portici, Castello Di Cisterna, Baia

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