What Herculaneum Is
On the Bay of Naples, Herculaneum is an ancient Roman town preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. Unlike Pompeii, it was buried beneath thick pyroclastic material, which preserved buildings, art and delicate organic remains. Among its most remarkable finds are the carbonized scrolls known as the Herculaneum Papyri, sometimes called the “Painted Papyrus” (NaplesWise; Artnet News).
The scrolls were discovered in the Villa of the Papyri, a luxurious residence and the site of the only surviving ancient Greco-Roman library found in situ. The villa is believed to have belonged to Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus, Julius Caesar’s father-in-law (Ercolano Cultura; Herculaneum Tour Guide). Excavations and scientific research, including non-invasive imaging and artificial intelligence, continue to reveal new information about the texts, Epicurean philosophy and Roman intellectual life (Scientific American; Greek Reporter).
History
Herculaneum and the eruption
Herculaneum was likely founded by the Oscans in the 6th or 7th century BCE. It later came under Greek, Etruscan, Samnite and Roman influence. By the 1st century CE, it had become a wealthy seaside resort, with elite villas, public baths and a vibrant cultural life (NaplesWise; Nomad Epicureans).
The eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE buried Herculaneum beneath pyroclastic flows reaching up to 27 meters. The heat carbonized organic materials and preserved homes, furniture, textiles and scrolls (Artnet News; Archaeology Magazine).
Rediscovery and excavation
Herculaneum was rediscovered in 1709. Systematic excavations began under Charles III of Spain. Between 1750 and 1765, the Villa of the Papyri was unearthed, revealing a library of nearly 1,800 papyrus scrolls (News360; Photonicsonline).
Only about one-third of Herculaneum has been excavated. The Herculaneum Conservation Project, started in 2001, works to stabilize and preserve the site (World History Encyclopedia).
The Villa of the Papyri
Built in the 1st century BCE, the Villa of the Papyri was a luxurious Roman residence with extensive gardens and more than 90 sculptures. Its architecture inspired the Getty Villa in Los Angeles. Much of the villa remains unexcavated, and it is not always open to the public. Many of its artifacts, including statues, mosaics and papyri, can be seen at the Naples National Archaeological Museum (Wikipedia; Pompeii with Archaeologist; NaplesWise).
What to See
The archaeological park and villa
The Villa of the Papyri is within the Herculaneum Archaeological Park, about 10 km from Naples. The villa’s architecture, gardens, sculptures and library reflect the wealth and cultural life of its Roman owners. Original artifacts from the villa are also held at the Naples National Archaeological Museum.
The Herculaneum Papyri
The scrolls were initially mistaken for pieces of charcoal. Early attempts to unroll them damaged many, but surviving fragments have helped scholars identify works by Philodemus and other Greek philosophers (Facts and Details).
Most original scrolls are conserved at the National Library of Naples and the Bodleian Libraries at Oxford. Digital reconstructions and high-resolution images are available at the archaeological park and the Naples National Archaeological Museum. The museum and park also have digital and physical exhibits about the scrolls.
Imaging, artificial intelligence and new readings
Researchers use non-invasive methods—including infrared imaging, X-ray tomography, synchrotron radiation and X-ray micro-CT scanning—to virtually unwrap scrolls without physically damaging them. These methods have revealed texts previously thought lost (Smithsonian Magazine; CBS News; CNN).
The international Vesuvius Challenge, launched in 2023, uses artificial intelligence and high-resolution 3D X-ray scans to accelerate decipherment. In 2024, a team read more than 2,000 Greek characters from a previously unreadable scroll (Italian Insider; Oxford News; Archaeology Magazine).
AI-driven digital ink detection helps distinguish ink from papyrus, even though both are carbon-based. The Challenge has produced partial readings, including texts associated with Philodemus, an Epicurean philosopher; a lost work by Philodemus has also been reported. These methods are being considered for other ancient manuscripts (Scientific American; Greek Reporter).
Practical Visiting Information
Opening hours
The published opening times vary:
- The archaeological site is described as open daily except Tuesdays, typically from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM, with last admission 30 minutes before closing. Hours may change with the season or for special events.
- Another schedule gives the park’s hours as 8:30 AM–7:30 PM in summer and 8:30 AM–5:00 PM in winter, daily except major holidays (Italy Heaven).
- Seasonal hours are also listed as 8:30 AM–7:30 PM from April to September and 8:30 AM–5:00 PM from November to March.
Check the official site for current information.
Tickets
Adult tickets are listed at approximately €13–€15 for Herculaneum, with discounts for EU citizens aged 18–25 and students, and free entry for children under 18. Combined tickets with other sites, such as Pompeii, are also available. Online booking is available to avoid queues (Visit Italy).
Villa of the Papyri visiting information also lists tickets at €11–€15, available online or at the entrance, with discounts (Spacial Anomaly).
Access and facilities
Accessible routes, paved paths and ramps help visitors with mobility needs, and assistance is available. Some ancient streets and buildings have uneven surfaces that can make access difficult. Check for temporary closures due to restoration.
Facilities include restrooms, a shop and multilingual signage. There are no cafés on-site, but cafés are available nearby.
Tours and events
Guided tours are available, including tours led by archaeologists, and are recommended for understanding the site and the villa’s history (Pompeii with Archaeologist). Audio guides are also available. Workshops and evening tours are sometimes offered; check official websites for details.
Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection.
- Arrive early for fewer crowds and cooler weather.
- Photography is allowed, but flash and tripods may be restricted.
- Consider visiting the Naples National Archaeological Museum to see artifacts from the villa and learn more about the scrolls.
- Book tickets online, especially during peak season.
Nearby Places
Herculaneum is conveniently located for visits to Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius and the Naples National Archaeological Museum. The Circumvesuviana train runs from Naples or Sorrento; Ercolano Scavi station is a 10-minute walk from the site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Herculaneum and Villa of the Papyri visiting hours?
Published schedules vary. The park is listed as open 8:30 AM–7:30 PM from April to September and 8:30 AM–5:00 PM from November to March; another schedule gives 9:00 AM–7:30 PM, with last admission 30 minutes before closing. The site is also described as closed on Tuesdays, while another schedule says it is open daily except major holidays. Check the official site for updates.
How do I buy tickets?
Tickets can be bought online or at the entrance. Booking online is recommended to avoid queues.
Is the site accessible?
Many areas have accessible routes, paved paths and ramps, but uneven terrain may limit access in some places.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. Guided tours by experts, including archaeologists, are available and recommended.
Can I see the original scrolls?
Most originals are conserved in Naples or Oxford. Digital reconstructions, images and exhibits are available at the archaeological park and the Naples National Archaeological Museum.
