Herculaneum is a Roman time capsule so well preserved due to the nature of the Vesuvius impact. The city was buried by a pyroclastic flow, not ash. The Roman life of the city unfolds before you, streets, shops, some stocked, fast food stands, villas, wall paintings and glass mosaics. Most amazing is a carbonized wood door over 1900 years old!... more

We visited Herculaneum on the advice of friends. Inevitably, you compare it with Pompeii but in our view, if we had the choice of one or the other, it would be Herculaneum. It is a much smaller city than Pompeii but is much easier to navigate. There is far greater variety of buildings and in many buildings, frescoes and mosaics... more

Herculaneum is a definite must on a trip to Naples. Far smaller, but substantially fewer crowds and more complete than its close neighbour Pompeii. However, Pompeii achieved its status for a reason - it is enourmous, a complete city - whereas Ercolano occupies a few small streets. Dont visit only one of the two sites - visiting both is essential.... more

Sadly, Herculaneum is put second on the tourist trail around the Roman Ruins in the Bay of Naples, however from our experience, we found this site far more appealing and in a much better state of preservation than Pompeii, giving a much better example of a provincial Roman town. Although much of the town is still under the debris from... more

Herculaneum is often overshadowed by Pompeii...and many people simply don't stop in. However, the streets and buildings of Herculaneum are much better preserved, and the scale of the site makes it much more manageable on a hot, dry day. more

During the first week in June we stayed in Sorrento. We last visited the area 7 years ago, and took a conducted tour by coach to Pompeii. I would like to point out for those who would prefer to make their own way to the historical sites that it is quite easy using the local train service, and inexpensive. This... more

Herculaneum is significantly smaller than Pompeii. Both are outstanding attractions but I think I enjoyed Herculaneum more. Many of the mosaics, furniture, etc at Pompeii has been carted off to the museum in Naples. Those things remain in situ in Herculaneum. The baths are outstanding. There was hardly anyone here, unlike Pompeii, which made things more enjoyable. Don't miss. The... more

We visited the Ercolano excavation in the beginning of October 2008. It was a very easy train ride from Naples (if you get the ArteCard- green the train fare is included). You get off at the Ercolano stop, walk down the hill and you come in above the excavation. There were a lot more things to see than Pompeii, a... more

I was in Herculaneum a week ago and my walking down the streets of that fabled town marked the culmination of lifetime of "Gee, I'd like to see that someday" wishes and daydreams. I wasn't disappointed. Herculaneum is at once fascinating and horrifying. Fascinating for the glimpse into the daily lives of Herculaneum's ancient inhabitants and horrifying when you stop... more