In southern Italy we find the Herculaneum ruins. This was one of the smallest cities but it had a very culturally rich population. Being next to Pompeii also suffered the wrath of Vesuvius and was buried under its ashes. But thanks to the excavations of the XNUMXth century, the city could see the light again.
There were many buildings and points of the city that had been preserved in good condition. In addition to the monuments, numerous objects as well as paintings were found. For all this and much more that we will see today, the ruins of Herculaneum have become one of the key points for tourists.
How to get to the ruins of Herculaneum
Without a doubt, a place like this is well known to all. So, being able to access it will always be the simplest. It is located south of Naples and very close to it, only about 10 kilometers. So you can take the highway towards Pompeii but going out in Ercolano (which is its name in Italian). If you prefer, the train will also be your best option. You can take the Napoli-Sorrento lines or Napoli Poggiomarino and Napoli Torre Annunziata. Whatever you take, you'll have to get off the Ercolano station. Once at this station, you will only have to walk about 12 minutes to reach the ruins.
The history of Herculaneum
When we read about the eruption of Vesuvius, we always remember Pompeii. It is true that it has always been one of the cities that had to experience chaos at that time. But it was not the only one. Very close was Ercolano and was also buried. Vesuvius is one of the most dangerous volcanoes and history behind his back, has witnessed it. One of its last eruptions was in 1944 where it destroyed a part of the city of San Sebastiano.
Well, about 2000 years ago, one of the most terrible events occurred. A fiery stream or cloud made its way and swept away everything it found. Hence, both this and the falling rocks made the city was totally buried. Although it was also what kept it almost intact years later when it was unearthed and gave its name to the ruins of Herculaneum.
What to see in the ruins of Herculaneum
There are many points to consider. The city still offers us a vision of what it was and of all those monuments or houses that featured in this scene.
Public monuments
Of the public monuments we can highlight The Fornicis. They are structures that were located in front of the beach. A kind of warehouses where the boats were kept. Numerous objects and also human skeletons were found in this place. It is believed that people took refuge with their most valuable objects. On the other hand we have the call Terrace of M Nonio Balbo. It is a ramp that takes us to a wide square where the hot springs. There we can see a funeral altar that is made of marble.
If we have mentioned them, it is clear that the hot springs are also another key point to take into account. Here are the best preserved of antiquity. They were built in the I DC Nearby, we find the Gym it was intended for sports activities. In a place like this if the hot springs are important, theater it was not far behind. Its capacity was for about 2500 people, it had bronze statues and marble columns, although today it can no longer be fully appreciated.
Houses
Also the houses of this city are quite representative. Various memorabilia to highlight are also printed on them. We start with the house that has a mosaic of Neptune and Amphitrite, made with glass paste. On the other hand, there is the house with the great portal that has a couple of columns at its entrance, finished in brick. The so-called deer house has a large terrace. The walls are also decorated with frescoes, which will give way to a garden and an interior where statues of deer will welcome us.
Although it is said that the oldest house in the city is the Corinthian Atrium. It is true that it was enlarged with a plant. It has columns and a marble floor. The walls of the bedrooms as well as the living room are preserved. When the dimensions of the house are large enough, there are in it a hot springs and varied and old elements, it was believed that it could be a hostel. What gives rise to a new house and a new discovery.
Hours and prices to visit the ruins of Herculaneum
Every day you can visit this place with a from 08:30 to 19:30. Although the last entry will be made at 18:17 p.m. Of course, from November to March, closing time is at 15:30 p.m. So the last entry to the place will be around XNUMX:XNUMX p.m. It is best to go in the morning, to avoid crowds.
The entrance fee is 11 euros, just for going to these ruins. But if by the way, you want to take advantage of your trip to see Pompeii, then you can buy a ticket for 20 euros. The truth is that this option is totally advisable. Not only because of the price itself, but because you can enjoy the two most emblematic scenes, as well as other upcoming excavations. You do not have to do the entire visit on the same day, but this ticket is valid for 3 days. The best 18 years and over 65s enter free.