Pompeii Tickets

Visiting Villa of Papyri in Pompeii I Herculaneum Ruins

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Skip-the-Line Tickets to Herculaneum

from
€18
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Flexible Duration
Highlights
Inclusions
Need to Know
Cancellation Policy
  • Explore Herculaneum, an ancient Roman town better preserved than Pompeii during the aftermath of Mount Vesuvius’s eruption in 79 AD.
  • Discover the picturesque ancient villas, bathhouses, frescoes, and more all preserved in their near-perfect glory.
  • Take advantage of your skip-the-line tickets into the UNESCO World Heritage Site to bypass the long tourist lines.

Inclusions

  • Skip-the-line entrance to Herculaneum

Exclusions

  • Audio Guide
  • Tip: You can purchase an audio guide from the ticketing office for €8.
  • Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
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Skip-the-Line Tickets to Herculaneum with Audio Guide

€28
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Audio Guide
Highlights
Inclusions
Need to Know
Cancellation Policy
  • Bypass the long queues and dive straight into the ancient wonders of Herculaneum in Italy’s picturesque Campania region.
  • An audio guide allows you to immerse yourself in the well-preserved ruins of this lesser-known historic city, rivaling the nearby Pompeii in significance.
  • Explore the opulent House of the Deer and Villa of the Papyri, and walk along the ancient main street Decumanus Maximus, lined with shops and houses.
  • Discover the narratives woven into the colorful frescoes, intricate mosaics, and stunning structures offering insight into the lives of ordinary citizens.

Inclusions

  • Skip-the-line entry to Herculaneum
  • Audio guide in 5 languages
  • Tip: Want to visit a supposed ancient cult temple rumored to be run by imperially-sanctioned freedmen? Stop by the College of Augustales.
  • Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Luggage Storage.
  • Please note that there is free entry for wheelchair users and 1 companion.
  • The audio guide is available in Italian, English, French, Spanish, and German.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
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Skip the Line Guided Tour of Herculaneum with an Archaelogist

from
€47
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
2 hr.
Guided Tour
Highlights
Inclusions
Cancellation Policy
  • The ancient town of Herculaneum is a must-visit for history and culture buffs when in Naples.
  • Overlooking the Gulf of Naples in a dramatic fashion, this world-renowned town has much to offer, aesthetically speaking.
  • Most renowned for its archeological Roman excavations, Herculaneum has traces of Samnite, Greek, Etruscan influences (apart from the obvious Roman presence).
  • Did you know: Legend has it that Herculaneum was founded by the mythological hero, Hercules!
  • Thanks to the expert archeologist who will walk alongside you, you'll be privy to captivating anecdotes, secrets, stories, and chilling facts about Herculaneum.
  • Learn all about the tragic effects of Mount Vesuvius's eruption (much like Pompeii as you walk through the town).
  • As you explore this unique site on foot, you'll pass along the monumental basilica, the grand spa complex, the gymnasium, and then some.

Inclusions

  • Skip-the-line entry into Herculaneum ruins
  • Guidance from expert archeologist in English, Spanish, French, German & Italian (optional)
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
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Half-Day Tour of Herculaneum from Naples

€50
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
3 hr.
Audio Guide
Guided Tour
Highlights
Inclusions
Need to Know
Cancellation Policy
  • Discover the ruins of Herculaneum, a well-preserved Roman town that suffered the same fate as Pompeii in 79 AD.
  • See picturesque villas, bathhouses, frescoes, metal works, and more preserved in their near-perfect state in Herculaneum.
  • Enjoy a comfortable experience with round-trip transfers from your hotel in Naples aboard a fully-fitted GT coach with audio commentary on board.

Inclusions

  • 3-hour guided tour of Herculaneum
  • Expert local guide
  • Audio guides
  • Round-trip transfers from Naples
  • Fully-fitted GT coach

Exclusions

  • Entry to Herculaneum
  • During the low season, from Nov to Mar, the live guide inside the ruins will be replaced with an audio guide if the group is less than 6 people.
  • The following are not allowed on this tour: Large baggage and suitcases.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
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From Naples: Guided Tour of Pompeii & Herculaneum with Archaeologist

€149
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
7 hr.
Guided Tour
Transfers Included
Highlights
Inclusions
Need to Know
Cancellation Policy
  • Tick off two important archeological sites ingrained in myth and history - Pompeii and Herculaneum, on the same day with round-trip transfers from Naples.
  • Immortalized by nature’s wrath, these tourist hotspots offer sneak peeks into the typical lifestyle of Romans in the 1st century.
  • Start your tour at the perfectly preserved site of Pompeii, where you will marvel at various artifacts such as artwork, frescoes, and ancient buildings.
  • Make your way towards Herculaneum, a town better preserved than Pompeii during the aftermath of Mount Vesuvius’s eruption in 79 AD, and witness palaces, houses, and colleges frozen under volcanic ash in impeccable condition.

Inclusions

  • Skip-the-line entry to Pompeii & Herculaneum
  • Round-trip transfers from Naples in Mercedes V Class or Ford minivan
  • Pick-up from the meeting point, airport, cruise terminal or main train station
  • English-speaking archaeologist guide
  • Small group tour of 20
  • Assistance on board
  • Headsets (for groups larger than 10 people)
  • Please note that there will be no breaks when visiting the sites at Pompeii. Please ensure that you carry a bottle of water should you need it as there are no beverages and food included in this tour aside from your mid-day meal.
  • During the low season, i.e. November to March, the live guide inside the ruins will be replaced with an audio guide if the group is less than 6 people.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

What is Villa of the Papyr?

The Villa of the Papyri in Naples, is a fascinating archaeological site that offers a glimpse into the past of the ancient Roman Empire. Located in the scenic town of Herculaneum, this villa houses some of the most significant discoveries from the time period, including ancient manuscripts and sculptures.

Built in the 1st century BC, Villa of the Papyri is believed to have belonged to a wealthy Roman nobleman, and its remote location ensured the villa remained remarkably well-preserved. With an impressive atrium with a central pond, marble sculptures and paintings, and the famous library room, which housed over 1,800 scrolls of papyri that were painstakingly restored in the 1750s, it is a must-visit if you go to Herculaneum. Book lovers and history buffs, some of the writings include works by the philosopher Epicurus! 

While the exact identity of its final owner is not known, the villa is said to have belonged to the father-in-law of Julius Caesar, Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus, in the century before the eruption.

Quick Facts about Villa of the Papyri

  • Official name: Villa of the Papyri
  • Location/Address: Herculaneum, Naples, Italy
  • Date of opening: Unknown; rediscovered in 1750
  • Timings: Closed on Tuesdays; open from 8:30am to 7:30pm on other days
  • Architect Unknown; believed to be built during the Roman Republic era
  • Architectural style: Roman architecture
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site: Yes (1997)
  • Number of visitors per year: Approximately 200,000
  • Collection size : Contains over 1,800 papyrus scrolls, bronze statues, frescoes, and other artifacts
  • Function: Ancient Roman villa built for the affluent Piso family, serving as a center for art, literature, and philosophy. It also housed a private library of papyrus scrolls. Today, it serves as a museum and archeological site.

Why Visit Villa of the Papyri?

  • Ancient Roman Architecture: Explore the remnants of a luxurious villa built during the Roman Republic, and witness the grandeur of its design and layout. Even the outside gardens will 
  • Stunning Artifacts: Marvel at the vast collection of ancient artifacts and sculptures, ranging from exquisite bronze statues and coins, to delicate frescoes and mosaics.
  • Unique Library: Discover one of the only surviving libraries from ancient Rome, which once housed over 1,800 scrolls of papyrus manuscripts on philosophy, literature, and science.
  • Historical Significance: Learn about the villa's fascinating history, from its construction during the Hellenistic period, to its rediscovery in the 18th century, and its eventual excavation and restoration in the 20th century.

Plan Your Visit to the Villa of the Papyri

What Are the Villa of the Papyri Opening Hours?

The Villa of the Papyri is open every day except for Tuesdays. It is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Closed: Tuesdays

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Villa of the Papyri is in the early morning to avoid crowds. It is also recommended to visit during the spring and fall when the weather is mild.

Villa of the Papyri Timings

Where is the Villa of the Papyri Located?

Address: Via dei Papiri, 80056 Ercolano (NA), Italy

The Villa of the Papyri is located in the ancient city of Herculaneum near Naples, Italy. It is situated on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius and overlooks the Bay of Naples.

Directions to Villa of the Papyri

Villa of the Papyri Highlights

Ancient Library

The Villa of the Papyri is known for its ancient library, which was discovered in the early 18th century. The library contains thousands of scrolls, which have been preserved thanks to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The scrolls were written in Greek and Latin and cover a wide range of topics, including philosophy, science, and literature. Visitors can see some of the scrolls and learn about the Villa's history as a cultural center.

Garden of the Villa

The Villa of the Papyri is set in a large garden, which contains a range of exotic plants such as palm trees, pomegranate trees, and oleanders. The garden also has several water features, including fountains and pools. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the garden and take in the scenic views. All you need to do is add one layer of imagination in the form of vineyards to really picture what it was like back in the day!

Frescoes and Mosaics

The Villa of the Papyri contains several well-preserved frescoes and mosaics that depict scenes from everyday life in ancient Rome. The frescoes are particularly notable for their intricate details and vibrant colors. You can see depictions of animals, landscapes, and mythical figures, among other subjects, similar to the rest of the city of Herculaneum.

Artifacts from Pompeii

The Villa of the Papyri also houses a collection of artifacts from nearby Pompeii, which was also destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The artifacts include pottery, jewelry, and sculptures, among other objects. Visitors can learn about life in Pompeii and gain insight into the ancient Roman civilization through these artifacts.

History of the Villa of the Papyri

Background

The Villa of the Papyri is an ancient Roman villa located in Herculaneum, near Naples, Italy. As its name suggests, the villa is known for its remarkable collection of papyri scrolls, which were discovered on the property during excavations in the 18th century. The villa was built during the first century BCE for the wealthy Calpurnius Piso.

Preservation and excavation 

After the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, the villa was buried along with the rest of the city of Herculaneum. It was rediscovered during excavations in the 18th century, but most of the villa remained buried until the 1990s.

Collection of papyri scrolls

When the villa was first excavated in the 18th century, more than 1,800 papyri scrolls were discovered. These scrolls contained a large collection of ancient philosophical and literary works, including works by Epicurus and Philodemus. The scrolls represent the only surviving library from classical antiquity, as most ancient writings were lost during the Dark Ages.

Current state and accessibility

Today, the Villa of the Papyri is open to the public, and visitors can admire the remains of the villa's impressive architecture and beautiful frescoes. The villa has been partially reconstructed, and visitors can also view a small selection of the papyri scrolls in the nearby National Library of Naples. 

Off the beaten path

Those interested in visiting the Villa of the Papyri can also explore the nearby archaeological site of Herculaneum, which was also buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Additionally, visitors can discover the less-visited sites of Pompeii or the ancient theatre of Neapolis.

Villa of the Papyri Today

Today, the Villa of the Papyri is an essential piece of history that marks the significance of the Roman Empire's influence on Italian culture. It is a symbol of the ancient times, where the wealthy and elite would live a life of luxury and extravagance. The artifacts and sculptures found here are evidence of the superb craftsmanship and artistic expressions of its creators. The excavation site is also a historical treasure that provides insight into the ancient world's advanced construction, engineering, and architectural techniques. 

The Villa of the Papyri is also a popular destination for tourists and scholars of history and archaeology. Visitors can witness the remains of the magnificent villa and its vast collection of artifacts and sculptures. They can also admire the beauty of the intricate frescoes, mosaics, and decorations that reflect the architectural and decorative styles of the ancient world. 

Fun Fact: After two centuries of research, archaeologists have discovered a way to use x-rays to analyze the ancient documents and scrolls unearthed here, without damaging them. By doing so, they were able to uncover text that had been lost since the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius Of the 1800 scrolls, only two can be read thus far.

Frequently Asked Questions about Villa of the Papyri

What is the Villa of the Papyri?

The Villa of the Papyri is an extensive, ancient Roman villa located near the town of Herculaneum in Naples, Italy.

Where can I buy Villa of the Papyri tickets?

You can purchase tickets for Villa of the Papyri directly from the attraction or online. It is recommended that you purchase your tickets online to avoid the risk of tickets selling out on the day of your visit.

Can I visit Villa of the Papyri with Heculaneum Ruins tickets?

Yes, access to Villa of the Papyri is included with the Herculaneum Ruins ticket, which also covers the House of Neptune and several other gems of history. .

Who owned Villa of the Papyri?

The villa was owned by Julius Caesar's father-in-law, Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus