Herculaneum Archeological Park: Entry + PemCards Postcard

Get ready for Herculaneum, an ancient Roman town that has been unfairly overshadowed by the fame of Pompeii. Herculaneum is actually more fascinating, better preserved, and much easier to explore than Pompeii. Explore the well-preserved clothing, mosaics, and frescoes that showcase the Roman culture in almost pristine condition, and envision the pre-79 AD life before the eruption of Vesuvius.

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius led to the rapid burial of Pompeii in ash. Herculaneum (known as Ercolano in Italian) was destroyed more than 12 hours after Pompeii, due to being upwind. A blast of searing ash, pumice, rocks, and volcanic gas moving at over 100 km/h at temperatures reaching 400°C struck the town, effectively preserving it in that moment.Make sure to visit the historic arena, which is as large as a city block, as well as The Palestra (Main Hall) where a massive statue of Hercules once stood, giving the town its name. By taking a guided audio tour (€8), you will gain a deep appreciation for the rich history of the area.A current-day journey to Herculaneum places you near Mount Vesuvius, in a city that outshined Pompeii in riches and in preservation. The opulence of this place is evident everywhere: from the luxurious marble in the bathhouses to the exquisite furniture, and even in the perfectly preserved clothing, all frozen in time by the volcanic ash and debris that covered them, almost like a time-stopping spell.