Herculaneum

Herculaneum (in Italian: Ercolano) is one of the most compelling "time-travel" destinations in the Bay of Naples region: the ancient city's ruins, nestled in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, combined with the modern town built around them, offer an exciting, easily navigable yet profoundly enriching experience. What makes this place unique is that it’s not a remote archaeological site but part of a living, southern Italian urban environment – a visit to Herculaneum is as much about history as it is about Mediterranean charm and the everyday rhythm of the Campania region. The identity of the area is, of course, defined by the story of ancient Herculaneum: the town was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, and the volcanic materials preserved parts of its built heritage in an extraordinary way. As a result, visitors often find it feels more "human-scale" than other similar sites: the proportions of the houses, the layout of the streets, and the intimacy of the spaces make it easy to imagine how daily life unfolded here nearly two thousand years ago. The site is part of the Pompeii–Herculaneum–Torre Annunziata archaeological ensemble, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its international significance. As a destination, Herculaneum is not just about the ruins. It’s worth seeing it as one of the best bases for exploring the "Gateway to Vesuvius": from here, it’s easy to connect to Naples’ cultural treasures, the volcanic landscape, and the region’s historic towns. For those who enjoy slower, experience-focused travel, a day in Herculaneum works well even if it includes a relaxed lunch, sampling local flavours, a short stroll through the town, or visiting nearby viewpoints after exploring the archaeological park – turning the afternoon into a time of arrival rather than rushing. The preservation and presentation of the area’s cultural values are supported by a robust institutional framework: the Herculaneum Archaeological Park is managed and developed as an independent professional and economic entity under the Italian Ministry of Culture (the park includes, among other features, the Villa dei Papiri and the underground theatre). The park’s communication emphasises that its exceptional state of preservation is both an opportunity and a responsibility: the condition of the ruins is not a given but the result of ongoing professional efforts. Sustainability From the perspective of sustainable tourism, Herculaneum is a great example of how "sustainability" begins with heritage conservation and long-term manageability. The Herculaneum Conservation Project, established in 2001, is specifically dedicated to preserving the site and addressing previous conservation issues through a long-term programme based on innovative methods and international expertise, in collaboration with the Packard Humanities Institute. From the visitors’ side, the greatest help is a conscious, "gentle" presence: stick to designated paths, avoid touching surfaces (especially frescoes and mosaics), avoid peak times, and, if possible, choose lower-impact transportation (such as public transport) in the area. It’s also worth arriving with pre-purchased, digitally accessible tickets to simplify entry and reduce unnecessary administration. Finally, spend money with local providers, choose local products, and leave less waste behind (use a reusable water bottle, refillable containers, and mindful packaging) – Herculaneum’s value lies in its fragility, yet it can be passed on if we care for it together.