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 profound experience. What makes the place unique is that it’s not a distant archaeological site but part of a living, southern Italian urban environment – so a trip 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, shaped by the story of ancient Herculaneum: the town was destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79, and the volcanic materials preserved parts of its built heritage in an extraordinary way. This often makes visitors feel it’s more "relatable" than other similar sites: the scale of the houses, the proportions of the streets, and the intimacy of the spaces make it easy to imagine what daily life was like here nearly two thousand years ago. The site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed archaeological ensemble of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Torre Annunziata, 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, you can easily connect to Naples' cultural world, the volcanic landscape, and the region's historic towns. For those who enjoy slower, experience-based travel, a day in Herculaneum works well even if, after visiting the archaeological park, there’s time for a leisurely lunch, sampling local flavours, a short stroll through the town, or perhaps visiting nearby viewpoints – or simply allowing the afternoon to be about arriving 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 others, the Villa dei Papiri and the underground theatre). The park’s communication strongly 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 work. Sustainability From the perspective of sustainable tourism, Herculaneum is a good example of how "sustainability" begins with heritage conservation and long-term manageability. The Herculaneum Conservation Project, established in 2001, is specifically dedicated to protecting the site and addressing previous conservation challenges through a long-term programme built 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: stay on designated paths, avoid touching surfaces (especially frescoes and mosaics), avoid peak times, and, if possible, choose lower-impact travel options (such as public transport) in the area. It’s advisable to arrive with pre-purchased, digitally accessible tickets, simplifying entry and reducing unnecessary administration. Finally, spend with local service providers, choose local products, and leave less waste behind (use refillable bottles, reusable packaging, and thoughtful packing) – Herculaneum’s value lies in its fragility, but it can be passed on if we collectively take care of it. - editorial content -