English
English
- Pompeii Tickets & Tours
- Royal Palace of Caserta Tickets
- Royal Palace of Naples Tickets
- Museo Di Capodimonte Tickets
- Mount Vesuvius Tickets & Tours
- Villa Pignatelli Tickets
- Museo Archaelogico Nazionale di Napoli Tickets
- Certosa di San Martino Tickets
- Catacombs of San Gennaro, Naples Tickets
- Città della Scienza
- Bourbon Tunnel
- Naples Underground Tours
- Maradona Tours
- Artecard Naples City Pass
- Veiled Christ Tickets & Tours
- Alibus Airport Transfers
Frescoes and Mosaics I Herculaneum Ruis
3.9(14.1K Ratings)
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
Herculaneum Skip-the-Line Tickets
- 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
- Campania Artecard 7-Day Pass (optional)
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.
Herculaneum Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide
€28
Free Cancellation
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Audio Guide
- 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 Italian, English, French, Spanish & German
- 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.
Herculaneum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour with an Archaelogist
- The ancient town of Herculaneum is a must-visit for history and culture buffs when in Naples.
- 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)
- Tip: Overlooking the Gulf of Naples in a dramatic fashion, this world-renowned town has much to offer, aesthetically speaking. Bring out your cameras for the panoramas!
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
From Naples: Herculaneum Half-Day Tour
- 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.
From Naples: Pompeii & Herculaneum Guided Tour with Archaeologist
- 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
- Entry to Pompeii & Herculaneum
- Round-trip transfers from Naples in Mercedes V Class or Ford minivan (optional)
- 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.
From Pompeii/Naples: Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Vesuvius Day Trip
- Experience a full day of adventure and history, as you gain entry to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Vesuvius National Park.
- Benefit from an insightful audio guide and map at Pompeii, followed by a visit to the smaller city of Herculaneum. Admire homes and public spaces alike.
- At Mount Vesuvius, you’ll climb to the active crater along with a volcanic guide, and find a thriving wine industry on its fertile slopes!
- Round-trip transfers from your hotel in either Pompeii or Naples, an expert driver, and a carefully curated route allows you to make the most of your trip.
Inclusions
- Day trip to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Vesuvius
- Entry to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Vesuvius National Park
- Audio guide and map at Pompeii
- Round-trip transfers from Pompeii or Naples (as per option selected)
- Tip: Don’t miss Herculaneum's boathouses, holding the skeletal remains of those who tried to escape the eruption by sea.
- While Pompeii and Herculaneum are wheelchair and stroller accessible, the climb up Mount Vesuvius is not.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Artecard Campania
- Experience Campania's top sights—including Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Paestum, and more with this convenient city card!
- Visit the first 5 sites for free followed by a discounted rate, all valid for 7 days! The pass comes with English and Italian language support.
- Over 80 monuments, museums, and archaeological sites in the area are accessible to you.
Inclusions
- Free entry to the first 5 sites of your choice such as Pompeii, Herculaneum, Paestum, and many others
- Up to 50% discount on the 6th site onwards
- 7-day validity
- Tourist assistance in English and Italian
- Please find the full list here
- Tip: No matter when you visit, Campania offers a unique experience so make sure you look up what you want to do before deciding on a time to visit.
- In order to activate the Card, you must contact the service provider as per the instructions in the voucher you will receive after booking.
- Once activated, the 7-day-pass is valid for 7 days.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- These tickets are valid until 31 December, 2024.
Naples to Herculaneum ToursMosaics and Frescoes
Top things to do in Naples
What are Frescoes and Mosaics?
Frescoes
Frescoes are exquisite artworks created by applying pigments onto wet plaster surfaces. These murals adorn walls and ceilings, depicting a wide array of subjects including mythological scenes, landscapes, and portraits. In the Herculaneum ruins, these frescoes provide glimpses into the vibrant visual culture of ancient Rome. Preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, these frescoes offer a vivid representation of Roman aesthetics, lifestyle, and societal values.
They showcase the Romans' mastery in combining vibrant colors with intricate details, reflecting their penchant for opulence and storytelling. These ancient artworks, frozen in time, help us comprehend the artistic sophistication and cultural nuances of the Roman world, bringing us closer to the past as we admire the artistry that once adorned the walls of Herculaneum's homes and public spaces.
Mosaics
Mosaics are intricate and vivid artworks created by arranging small, colorful pieces of marble, glass, and stone, known as tesserae, into intricate patterns and images. These tesserae are meticulously positioned to form scenes ranging from mythological narratives and architectural designs to depictions of daily life. In the Herculaneum ruins, these mosaics provide invaluable insights into the aesthetic preferences, craftsmanship, and cultural life of ancient Romans.
Preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, these mosaics showcase the Roman fascination with storytelling, visual beauty, and artistic skill. They capture a snapshot of the past, enabling us to visualize the aesthetics that adorned homes and public spaces in Herculaneum, connecting us to the rich artistic legacy of ancient Rome.
Why see the Frescoes and Mosaics in Herculaneum Ruins?
- Exceptional Preservation: Herculaneum's frescoes and mosaics are exceptionally well-preserved due to the way the town was buried by volcanic ash during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The volcanic material sealed and protected these artworks from the elements and natural decay, providing a nearly pristine glimpse into the past.
- Captivating Artistry: The frescoes and mosaics within the Herculaneum ruins exemplify the unparalleled artistry of ancient Rome. These artworks are intricately crafted with meticulous attention to detail, showcasing the skilled hands of Roman artisans who used pigments and tesserae to create mesmerizing visuals that transcend time.
- Storytelling Through Imagery: The frescoes and mosaics serve as visual narratives that communicate stories, ideas, and historical events. The frescoes often narrate moments from Roman mythology and history, while the mosaics ingeniously utilize tesserae to depict a wide range of subjects, from grand mythological tales to intricate geometric designs.
Plan Your Visit to Herculaneum Runis to Admire Mosaics and Frescoes
What Are Herculaneum Ruins Opening Hours?
Herculaneum's timings vary seasonally.
Herculaneum is open from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM everyday between 16 March and 14 October.
Between 15 October to 15 March, the ruins are open everyday from 8:30 AM to 5 PM.
Closed: 1 January and 25 December.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Herculaneum Ruins is in the early morning to avoid crowds. It is also recommended to visit during the spring and fall when the weather is mild.
Where are Herculaneum Ruins Located?
Address: R84X+9J Ercolano, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy
The Herculaneum Archaeological Complex 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.
Mosaics and Frescoes of Herculaneum Ruins
The College of the Augustales
This building contains frescoes depicting mythological scenes and portraits of emperors. These frescoes are linked to the activities of a group dedicated to the worship of the emperor Augustus.
The House of Neptune and Amphitrite
This house features frescoes depicting Neptune, the god of the sea, and his wife Amphitrite. The frescoes in this house provide insights into Roman mythology and the visual representation of deities
Undiscovered and Minor Mosaics
Fascinating and interesting mosaics and floor patterns can be found dotted around in various establishments in Herculaneum Ruins. Ongoing excavations and preservation efforts at the time continue to unearth frescoes and mosaics which may have not been seen before.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mosaics and Fresoces in Herculaneum Ruins
What are mosaics?
Mosaics are intricate artworks created by assembling small, colorful pieces of marble, glass, and stone called tesserae to form patterns, images, and scenes.
What's the significance of mosaics in Herculaneum?
Mosaics offer insights into Roman aesthetics, lifestyle, and artistic craftsmanship, serving as visual documents of the past.
What are frescoes?
Frescoes are paintings created by applying pigments onto wet plaster surfaces. As the plaster dries, the pigments become a part of the wall itself.
How have these artworks survived for so long?
The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD buried Herculaneum in volcanic ash, creating an environment that preserved mosaics and frescoes over centuries.
Where are Herculaneum's frescoes and mosaics been stored?
There are multiple famous frescoes and mosaics sourced from Herculaneum that have found themselves in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. However, there are a number of frescoes and mosaics that can be found on site such as the one of Neptune and Amphitrite.
Why is excavation of atwork like this important?
Frescoes and mosaics, apart from their eye catching beauty are very important in understanding where we come from. These artworks provide and insight into how life was then and is a statement to how we have evolved as human beings.