House of Neptune Herculaneum
Step back in time at Herculaneum, a Roman town perfectly preserved by volcanic ash, offering stunning mosaics and intact structures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer tour groups
House of Neptune Herculaneum
Best Time
Fewer tour groups
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Herculaneum, a Roman town perfectly preserved by volcanic ash, offering stunning mosaics and intact structures.
"Herculaneum whispers its story—but with more power than you might suspect."
🎯 Go Beyond Pompeii
Herculaneum offers a more intimate and better-preserved experience than Pompeii. Don't miss it!
🚶♀️ Guided Tour Recommended
A guided tour enhances understanding and appreciation of the site's details.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
House of Neptune and Amphitrite
Decumanus Maximus
Marvel at stunning, well-preserved mosaics depicting mythological scenes. A true gem of Roman artistry.
The Baths
Near the Forum
Admire the refined details of Roman public life, from marble benches to decorated walls, showcasing daily luxury.
Wooden Structures
Various Houses
Witness remarkably preserved wooden elements, a testament to Herculaneum's unique volcanic burial.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds, See the Details
A Different Kind of Preservation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go Beyond Pompeii
Herculaneum offers a more intimate and better-preserved experience than Pompeii. Don't miss it!
🚶♀️ Guided Tour Recommended
A guided tour enhances understanding and appreciation of the site's details.
Visiting the ancient ruins of Herculaneum.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven ancient streets. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially in warmer months, bring water as there are limited facilities inside. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go Beyond Pompeii
Herculaneum offers a more intimate and better-preserved experience than Pompeii. Don't miss it!
🚶♀️ Guided Tour Recommended
A guided tour enhances understanding and appreciation of the site's details.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven ancient streets. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially in warmer months, bring water as there are limited facilities inside. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Herculaneum is lauded as a remarkably well-preserved and intimate archaeological site, often considered more impactful than Pompeii by visitors. Its unique preservation offers a tangible connection to Roman life, with stunning mosaics and intact structures captivating guests. While smaller, its detail and atmosphere leave a lasting impression.
"Herculaneum is completely different from Pompeii and absolutely worth a visit. Here the pyroclastic flow protected the roofs of the buildings and made it harder for treasure hunters to loot the place in the 1500s. It is far smaller than Pompeii but also very richly appointed. Herculaneum was a seaside resort for very rich Romans, and it shows in the way, the villas are decorated. We spent an hour and a half here on a guided tour, and could’ve spent three hours here."
Jim Schrempp
"Yep"
Iulian C
"not to miss"
Werner Senft
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The House of Neptune is located within the archaeological site of Herculaneum. You can reach Herculaneum easily via the Circumvesuviana train from Naples or Sorrento, getting off at the 'Ercolano Scavi' station. From there, it's a short walk to the entrance.
Yes, Herculaneum is very accessible by public transport. The Circumvesuviana train line connects it to Naples and Sorrento, making it a convenient day trip.
Herculaneum is smaller and often better preserved, offering a more intimate experience with stunning mosaics and intact structures. Pompeii is larger and more famous. Many visitors find Herculaneum to be a powerful complement to Pompeii.
Driving to Herculaneum is possible, but parking can be challenging. Public transport, especially the Circumvesuviana train, is often recommended for ease of access.
The Circumvesuviana train is the most efficient way to travel between Pompeii and Herculaneum. The journey is short and frequent.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but typically an adult ticket for the Herculaneum archaeological site is around €13-€15. It's advisable to check the official website for the most current pricing and to book in advance, especially during peak season.
Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, particularly during peak tourist seasons, to guarantee entry and avoid long queues.
Opening hours for Herculaneum typically start around 9:00 AM and close between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM, depending on the season. Always verify the exact hours on the official archaeological park website before your visit.
Discounts may be available for EU citizens under 18, and free entry is often provided for children under a certain age. Check the official website for details on concessions and free entry policies.
While there isn't always a single combined ticket, purchasing tickets for both sites separately is common. Look for potential package deals or consider the 'Campania Artecard' which often includes entry to both.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The House of Neptune and Amphitrite is renowned for its incredibly well-preserved mosaics, showcasing vibrant colors and intricate mythological scenes. It offers a glimpse into the luxurious life of wealthy Romans.
Beyond the House of Neptune, don't miss the Baths, the House of the Bicentenary, the Cardo V, and the remarkably preserved wooden structures. The overall preservation of the town is the main attraction.
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring Herculaneum, especially if they opt for a guided tour. You could easily spend longer if you want to absorb every detail.
Yes, Herculaneum can be fascinating for children, especially if they have an interest in history. The compact nature and vivid preservation can capture their imagination. Consider a family-friendly guide.
Restrooms are available at the entrance and at a few points within the site. Water fountains are less common, so bringing your own water is highly recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography for personal use is generally allowed inside Herculaneum. However, flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the delicate mosaics and frescoes.
The House of Neptune and Amphitrite with its mosaics, the intricate details of the baths, and the surprisingly intact wooden structures offer fantastic photo opportunities. The narrow streets also provide atmospheric shots.
Drone photography is strictly prohibited within archaeological sites like Herculaneum to preserve the integrity of the ruins and for safety reasons.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light that enhances the textures and colors of the ruins. Early mornings can also be good for fewer crowds and softer light.
Commercial filming or professional photography often requires special permits. For personal use, standard photography rules apply, with flash restrictions being the most common.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a family-friendly guided tour to keep children entertained and informed. The compact nature of the site means less walking fatigue, and the sense of stepping into a preserved town can feel like a real adventure. Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes and brings plenty of water, as facilities are limited within the ruins.
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
Focus on areas like the House of Neptune and Amphitrite, the Baths, and the various domus to appreciate the artistry and engineering of the time. A guided tour or a good guidebook is essential to fully grasp the historical significance of each structure and artifact. The intimate scale allows for a more focused and in-depth study of Roman civilization.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Preservation of Herculaneum
This unique burial process resulted in an extraordinary state of preservation. Unlike Pompeii, where roofs often collapsed, Herculaneum's buildings retain their upper stories and even wooden beams and doors. This allows visitors to experience a more complete and intact Roman town, offering a tangible sense of what life was like just before the eruption. The narrow streets and compact layout further enhance this feeling of stepping back in time.
The preservation extends to intricate details like frescoes, mosaics, and even everyday objects. The carbonization process, while destructive in its initial phase, acted as a protective seal, shielding these delicate artifacts from decay for centuries. This makes Herculaneum a vital site for understanding Roman domestic life, architecture, and art with unparalleled clarity.
Exploring the House of Neptune and Amphitrite
The mosaics here are exceptionally vibrant and detailed, offering a window into Roman mythology and artistic skill. The House of Neptune and Amphitrite is often cited as one of the best-preserved examples of Roman domestic decoration. Visitors are captivated by the intricate tesserae work and the storytelling within the artwork.
Beyond the famous mosaics, the house also features other decorative elements and a layout typical of a wealthy Roman residence, including an atrium and peristyle. Exploring this house provides a direct connection to the lives of the elite in this ancient seaside resort town.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit