Herculaneum excavations
Ercolano, Italy
A Roman town buried by Vesuvius in AD 79 and preserved under deep volcanic deposits, with multi-storey houses, wooden beams and mosaics. It is smaller and better preserved than Pompeii; allow two to three hours.
Herculaneum, now Ercolano, was buried in the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79 under around 20 meters of material from several pyroclastic flows, far deeper than nearby Pompeii. The heat charred organic matter, so wooden ceilings, beds, doors and even papyrus survived. Regular digging has gone on since 1738, and most of today's park was uncovered from 1927 by Amedeo Maiuri. Since 1997 the site has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Archaeological Areas of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata”.
The excavation is small and easy to grasp: paved streets, townhouses with mosaics, shops and baths, all close together. The modern town of Ercolano lies on top of the unexcavated part. On the former beach and in the boat sheds, around 340 skeletons have been found so far.
Which houses are open changes; some were temporarily closed for maintenance in 2026, and the park authority keeps the current list (as of October 2026). Since 2001 the Herculaneum Conservation Project, funded by the Packard Humanities Institute, has been safeguarding the site. Two to three hours is enough for a visit.
- Nearest town
- Ercolano, Italy
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 40.8058, 14.3478
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Eco Camping VesuvioCampsite12 km from Herculaneum excavationsTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- ZeusCampsite13 km from Herculaneum excavationsTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- SpartacusCampsite13 km from Herculaneum excavationsTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Fortuna VillageCampsite13 km from Herculaneum excavations · 50 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Camping PompeiCampsite13 km from Herculaneum excavationsTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Camping Sant'AntonioCampsite17 km from Herculaneum excavationsTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
All campsites in Italy · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Herculaneum excavations?
Herculaneum excavations is in Ercolano, Italy, at GPS 40.8058, 14.3478. It is about 8 km from Naples.
Can you camp near Herculaneum excavations?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Parcheggio camper Ercolano, about 0 km away; within 25 km there are 26 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Herculaneum excavations?
Herculaneum excavations is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Naples’ volcanoes, Herculaneum and the Royal Palace of Caserta.
What is there to see near Herculaneum excavations?
Places worth a stop nearby: Mount Vesuvius crater path (6 km), Scavi di Pompei (13 km), Flavian Amphitheatre, Pozzuoli (19 km) and Positano (23 km).
When is the best time to visit Herculaneum excavations?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)