One of the best experiences to do when you are on holiday in Sorrento is certainly that of dedicating yourself to culture. And take a journey through history. The archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum are perfectly suited for this purpose. We have already talked about it here
The archaeological site of Herculaneum, to difference of Pompeii that gives an overview of a typical rich city of the Roman Empire, it tell us specifically what the houses and buildings were like.
The archaeological site of Herculaneum is smaller than Pompeii and is a visit to consider if you have not so much time to spend in our area.
Its smaller size allows you to be able to dedicate more attention to houses, mosaics and paintings still well-preserved!
Yes, because by entering the domus of Herculaneum it is possible to admire some architectural elements almost intact, perfectly preserved thanks to the same lava that destroyed the city of Pompeii.
Herculaneum was the holiday destination of the wealthy Roman patricians? The wealth of these families is all in the decorations of the houses
1. The Samnite House
It is one of the oldest houses in Herculaneum and its atrium is the Hellenistic style. The walls are painted with fantastic scenes and the impluvioum is all covered in marble.
2. Hall of the Augustales
This was the place where the freedmen devoted themselves to the cult of the Emperor Augustus and it is a very large building with important frescoes starring Hercules.
3. House of the Relief of Telephus
It is a three-storey house full of sculptures and with a relief representing the myth of Telephus, the son of Hercules, who, according to legend, founded the city of Herculaneum.
4. Fornici
They were once the warehouses of the port and it is here that about 40 years ago 300 skeletons of people who died following the eruption of 79 AD were found.
5. Male baths
In this place the inhabitants of Herculaneum went to wash and relax and above all to do more or less legitimate business. They were divided into male and female sectors and embellished with fine mosaics especially in the tepidarium.
In October 2021, a new human skeleton was found in Herculaneum, nicknamed the Fugitive because it was found in the act of fleeing towards the sea, with the hope of being saved. The new finding has given archaeologists working from Herculaneum hope for future new discoveries.
Herculaneum can be reached from Sorrento or Naples by public transport, using the circumvesuviana both ordinary and special rides called Campania Express
It is also possible to get to Herculaneum by car, although it is more complicated as it is necessary
having to cross the city center and look for parking.
A convenient way to get to Herculaneum is with a private tour with driver, which also includes the possibility of driving.