Things to do in Ercolano
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Top 10 attractions in Ercolano
Pompeii Archaeological Park
The Pompeii Archaeological Park is located on the shores of the Bay of Naples in southern Italy, with Mount Vesuvius as its backdrop. In 79 CE, the sudden eruption of the volcano buried the entire town under ash and pumice, inadvertently preserving its streets, houses, shops, and frescoes—freezing the daily life of an ancient Roman town at the moment of disaster. Beyond the ruins, the site also features poignant casts of victims: cavities left by decomposed bodies in hardened ash were filled with plaster by archaeologists, recreating their final moments, with a group of such casts displayed in the Garden of the Fugitives. The tour typically begins at the Porta Marina in the west, where the Temple of Venus, the patron goddess of Pompeii, stands on a high platform to the right of the entrance. Along the main street, visitors can see the rectangular Basilica with its recognizable column remnants and frescoes, followed by the ancient Temple of Apollo nearby. Further ahead lies the central forum, where the columns of the Temple of Jupiter frame the silhouette of Mount Vesuvius in the distance—a classic photo spot. The stone-paved streets outside the forum still bear deep ruts from ancient cart wheels. To the south are the Large Theatre and the covered Odeon, the latter once used for musical performances, with the Temple of Isis reflecting Egyptian influence nearby. Heading north to an intersection, the Stabian Baths offer a glimpse into ancient Romans' passion for bathing. Further east, the House of the Venus in the Shell features a small garden surrounded by a colonnade, with the famous fresco of Venus reclining in a shell still adorning the garden wall. At the southeastern end of the town stands the Amphitheatre, built around 2,000 years ago and capable of seating 20,000 spectators—one of the earliest surviving stone Roman amphitheatres, offering panoramic views from the upper seats. The House of the Faun in the northwest occupies almost an entire block; its excavated Alexander Mosaic is now housed in Naples' National Archaeological Museum. Nearby, the House of the Tragic Poet displays the famous "Beware of the Dog" mosaic at its entrance, with interior frescoes depicting mythological and theatrical scenes. The vast site offers limited shade, so allocate at least half a day for exploration, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water. Those interested in seeing the original Alexander Mosaic and other artifacts can pair their visit with the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.Pompei · 13.4 km from Ercolano
Naples National Archaeological Museum
The Naples National Archaeological Museum houses a vast collection of ancient Greek and Roman artifacts, such as the world's largest single-piece ancient Greek sculpture, the Farnese bull, and the standard version of the statue of Heracles. Its collection of ancient Roman artifacts is unparalleled in Europe. It houses numerous treasures from the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, including exquisite mosaic frescoes and murals, vividly showcasing the daily life of ancient Romans. It serves as a window into the history and culture of Pompeii.Naples · 9.7 km from Ercolano
Sansevero Chapel Museum
This museum is located in the old town. It was originally the Cappella Sansevero church. Today, this church is no longer used for religious purposes and has been transformed into this museum. The museum houses the artworks of some famous Italian artists in the 18th century, the most famous of which are sculptures. The layer of gauze in the sculpture is as thin as the wings of a cicada, and it is unbelievable that you can clearly see the face, the thin bones and the blood vessels on the hands and feet! It is said that experts still have not been able to figure out how the artists of the time achieved this level of realism.Naples · 9.1 km from Ercolano
Mount Vesuvius
Mount Vesuvius is an active volcano on the Apennine Peninsula. It was formed by the collision of the Eurasian plate and the African plate. It once destroyed the ancient city of Pompeii when it erupted in 79 AD and is currently dormant. This volcano has erupted many times, so it is also one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. You can climb Vesuvius on foot, follow the slope of the volcanic rock to the crater, and in about 20-30 minutes you can go up to the top to see the crater. Because of the high altitude and the high wind speed of the mountain pass, you need to hold the railing when you reach the top. There is a special bus from Pompeii to Mount Vesuvius. The journey takes about an hour. There is a ticket office to Mount Vesuvius at the entrance of Pompeii Railway Station, and the departure point is also at the entrance of the railway station. There are not many buses, and there is usually a train on time. After the car passed through the Vesuvius National Forest Park, it stopped halfway up the mountain and had to change to a car specially used for climbing, and then changed to walking, and climbed along the handrail to the crater.Ottaviano · 7 km from Ercolano
Royal Palace of Naples
Royal Palace of Naples faces the open Piazza del Plebiscito and is one of the landmarks of the historic center of Naples. It was originally used as the Spanish Viceroy's Palace, became the royal palace of the Bourbon dynasty after the 18th century, and was long the center of power for the Kingdom of Naples. The current facade, after extensive renovations in the 19th century, presents a neoclassical style. A row of niches on the ground floor contains eight marble statues of kings, ranging from the monarchs of the Norman dynasty to the king who unified Italy, presenting a timeline of the city's centuries of dynastic changes. The west side of the palace is open to the public as a museum. Along the visitor route, you can enter royal living spaces such as the ceremonial suites and the Throne Room. The interior is furnished with 18th- to 19th-century furniture, porcelain, tapestries, and paintings, including works from the Neapolitan School. The small and exquisite Court Theater is still in use today, and the royal chapel is also on the route. In the entrance courtyard, a wide, double-flight staircase rises to greet you. The rear of the palace also conceals a hanging garden, with a long, green terrace suspended between the floors. The east wing of the palace houses the Vittorio Emanuele III National Library. The collection includes ancient texts from the Farnese family, as well as nearly 2,000 papyrus scrolls unearthed in Herculaneum—they were carbonized by high temperatures and buried underground during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, making them one of the few surviving examples of ancient books. The library also preserves a fragment of a 5th-century Coptic Bible manuscript.Naples · 8.9 km from Ercolano
Castel Nuovo
Castel Nuovo is located on one side of thePiazza del Municipio in Naples, right next to the port, and is one of the city's landmarks. It was commissioned by Charles I of Anjou, the founder of the Kingdom of Naples. The name "Castel Nuovo" was given in contrast to the earlierCastel Capuanoand Ovo Castle in the city. After the Aragonese dynasty took control in the 15th century, it was rebuilt into its current layout by the Majorcan architect Guillem Sagrera: an irregular trapezoidal structure guarded by five cylindrical towers and surrounded by a moat. For centuries thereafter, it served as the royal palace for the kings of Anjou, Aragon, and Spain. The white marble triumphal arch at the main entrance was built to commemorate the triumphant entry of King Alfonso V of Aragon into the city. It is carved with scenes of the king entering the city in a triumphal chariot and the coat of arms of the Aragonese royal family, and is considered an important symbol of the introduction of Renaissance architecture to southern Italy. The main hall of the castle, the Hall of the Barons, was originally the Throne Room. Multiple ribbed arches intertwine on the octagonal dome to form a star pattern, with an opening in the center to let in light. The hall's name comes from the story of Ferdinand I, who used a wedding banquet as a pretext to lure and capture rebellious barons here. Until 2006, it was still used as the meeting place for the Naples City Council. Visits usually begin at the Palatine Chapel on the ground floor, where traces of frescoes painted by Giotto still remain. In the adjacent Hall of Arms, you can see excavated ancient Roman remains beneath the castle through a glass floor. The Civic Museum on the floor above displays religious paintings from the 15th to 18th centuries, including works by Neapolitan Baroque painters such as Luca Giordano. The second floor exhibits paintings from the 18th century onwards, organized by themes such as history, landscapes, portraits, and city views of Naples. From the side facing the sea, you can see the bay.Naples · 8.7 km from Ercolano
Archaeological Park of Herculaneum
The Archaeological Park of Herculaneum serves as a "living fossil" from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Compared to Pompeii, it was more completely encased in volcanic ash and lava, preserving numerous wooden structures, fabric fragments, and daily household items. This offers a more vivid reconstruction of the authentic living conditions of ordinary ancient Romans. The architectural remains of the Archaeological Park of Herculaneum are remarkably distinctive. From well-preserved multi-story stone residences and public baths adorned with exquisite mosaic artworks to fully functional shops and port facilities, they vividly showcase the urban planning and architectural craftsmanship of ancient Roman cities, serving as a crucial example for studying ancient Roman urban civilization.Ercolano · 231m from downtown
Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta
The Cathedral of Naples is an important church in Naples, the cathedral of the Catholic Archdiocese of Naples, dedicated to the city's patron saint, Saint Janaro. The church preserves the blood of the saint, and the "miracle of St. Janallo" happens every May and September, when the clotted and dried blood of St. Janallo turns into a liquid again. The Bishop's Cathedral of Naples was built in 1272 by the order of Charles I of the Count of Anjou. The nave of the church is very spacious, and the top is decorated with ornate inlays. The 1456 earthquake damaged the church and it has been rebuilt numerous times into its current neo-Gothic appearance. In addition to the church, there is also a small garden and a small underground museum to visit.Naples · 9 km from Ercolano
Sorrento
Sorrento is located near the Bay of Naples, with the entire town built atop seaside cliffs. The famous Italian song "Come Back to Sorrento" sings of this very town. The song has been sung for a century and has become a unique cultural symbol of Sorrento. The 16th-century poet Tasso was also born here, and the town square is named after him. The town is surrounded by lemon groves and olive trees, and Limoncello, a lemon liqueur made from local lemons, is a signature specialty of Sorrento. Piazza Torquato Tasso is the central starting point for sightseeing. Next to the square is the Valley of the Mills, a deep gorge embedded in the heart of the city, where abandoned old mills remain at the bottom, overgrown with vegetation. The Cloister of San Francesco was built in the 14th century, with arches and columns arranged in an interlaced pattern along the cloister. Museo Correale houses medieval sculptures, paintings, and local decorative arts, while the Museum of Wood Inlay is dedicated to showcasing the wood inlay craftsmanship that has continued in Sorrento for hundreds of years. Looking out from the edge of the cliffs, you can see the silhouette of Mount Vesuvius and Capri. The streets and alleys of the old town are winding, and the Marina Grande fishing village on the coast retains a rustic atmosphere, with colorful houses arranged along the harbor.Sorrento · 20.3 km from Ercolano
Catacombs of Saint Gaudiosus
Built in the 2nd century, the Catacombs of San Genero is one of the larger catacombs underground in Naples. Unlike traditional Romanesque tombs, in addition to tombs, there are corridors and a spacious vestibule supported by columns and arches. It is also decorated with early Christian frescoes and mosaics, many of which are now dilapidated. Legend has it that San Genero was buried here at first, and a large number of tourists come to visit every year. There will be guided tours every weekend. Participating in this tour can better understand the history of the tomb and the remains of various works of art inside. It is recommended to register in advance.Naples · 10.2 km from Ercolano
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Free things to do in Ercolano
Sorrento
Sorrento · 20.3 km from Ercolano
Via Caracciolo e Lungomare di Napoli
Naples · 10.4 km from Ercolano
Piazza del Plebiscito
Naples · 8.9 km from Ercolano
Galleria Umberto I
Naples · 9 km from Ercolano
Church of the New Jesus
Naples · 9.2 km from Ercolano
Piazza Dante
Naples · 9.4 km from Ercolano
Capri
Anacapri · 30.3 km from Ercolano
Amalfi Coast
Amalfi · 28.9 km from Ercolano
San Francesco di Paola
Naples · 9 km from Ercolano
Chiesa di Sant'Anna dei Lombardi
Naples · 9.2 km from Ercolano
What travelers say about Ercolano
M58***90October 17, 2026
5.0
Highly recommend our guide, Ruoqing! She took us to see the ruins of Pompeii, including the villa, baths, ancient brothels, and bakeries, and we even met several Pompeian kittens! Her explanations were detailed, bringing the lives of the ancient Romans to life, making the ruins more than just cold stones. Her guided tour was incredibly enriching, and our Pompeii trip was made all the more special by her. ✨
Pompeii Archaeological Park
xugalenOctober 7, 2026
5.0
If you've already visited Pompeii, then this is the "soulful puzzle" that will allow you to truly understand Pompeii. Pompeii provides the awe-inspiring framework, but the details treasured in this museum are what truly fill in the flesh and blood of that history. From frescoes to sculptures to everyday objects, every exhibit helps you recreate the authentic life of 2000 years ago, creating a sense of dialogue across time.
Naples National Archaeological Museum
david821221February 4, 2025
5.0
Don't be scared by the surrounding environment, it is still very safe and definitely worth a visit. It is simply amazing. But please note that photography is not allowed inside. The pictures I posted below are all collected from the Internet.
Sansevero Chapel Museum
WanderinAussieJuly 3, 2022
5.0
We visited Mount Vesuvius as part of a full day that included Pompeii and it was absolutely wonderful.As we ascended the mountain we stopped mid way for the best pizza I have ever tasted. The little restaurant (which I am ashamed to say I don't remember the name of) unfortunately had a power outage shortly before we arrived. That did not stop them from welcoming us warmly and providing wonderful wood fired pizza for our lunch.From there it was on the Mount Vesuvius herself. There was poor visibility but luckily the rain had passed and we were able to hike to the rim of the crater. Unable to see in to the rim itself because of the low lying fog did not dampen the wonder of being at the top. If anything it added to the magic. Truly an experience of a lifetime.
Mount Vesuvius
suifeng2019May 27, 2020
4.0
Standing in front of a window of the palace, you can see the majestic Mount Vesuvius in the distance and the beautiful Bay of Naples nearby. It is like the princes and nobles of the past could enjoy the beautiful scenery without leaving their homes.
Royal Palace of Naples
沈福成February 29, 2020
4.0
After checking in at the Renaissance Naples Hotel, we walked to the new castle for a visit because the room was not available until 3pm. It took about 5 minutes to walk. There was a fee for admission and there was also a guide machine. There was a small church that was now hosting an art exhibition and there were many art works.
Castel Nuovo
Sophydee76January 17, 2024
5.0
this is a place that really feels like going back in time. go to Pompeii first as it sets the scene but the preservation here and the items they have discovered are amazing. if you love history it is a must see.
Archaeological Park of Herculaneum
小思文December 16, 2019
4.0
The Cathedral of Naples is also a very unique building. The cathedral itself is full of many legendary features. The cathedral also has some very interesting facilities, and the bishop carries out some activities here.
Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta
Rosanna_July 19, 2023
5.0
Great amazing time in Sorrento! definitely suggest to watch for the sunset by the Villa!
Sorrento
