Destroyed in AD 79 by the same eruption of Mt. Vesuvius that engulfed Pompeii, Herculaneum was buried in molten lava, instead of the ash that covered Pompeii.
The town of about 6,000 people lay for centuries encased in a solid mass of pumice and ash to a depth of 12 to 30 meters. This hard, deep covering formed an airtight seal that protected it from plunderers and even from early excavation methods, saving artifacts and priceless details that have been lost at Pompeii. And unlike Pompeii, all but the very first finds and artworks have been left in their original places, not stripped for transport to off-site museums, adding to the experience of visiting Herculaneum.
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1. Ruins of Herculaneum
Indeed, this superbly preserved Roman fishing town of 4,000 people is easier to navigate than Pompeii and can be explored with highly recommended maps and audio guides (€ 8).
2. Villa dei Papiri
Currently closed, Villa dei Papiri is the most luxurious villa in Herculaneum. Owned by Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus, Julius Caesar's father-in-law, it was a vast four-story, 245m-long complex stretching down to the sea; there were swimming pools, fountains and a collection of up to 80 sculptures.
There is also an important library, with 1800 rolls of papyrus loaned to the mansion. Most of the carbonized scrolls are now in Naples' Museo Archeologico Nazionale.
3. Reggia di Portici
Before moving into the giant Reggia di Caserta, Bourbon's Charles III called this more modest palace house. Built between 1738 and 1742, the frescoes were also used to store the king's spoils, excavated on-site as well as in nearby Herculaneum and Pompeii.
Although most of these were subsequently transferred to the Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Naples, the on-site Herculanense Museum offers a fascinating insight into the original Bourbon-era excavations, the first to shed light on the area’s world-famous Roman ruins.
4. Terme Maschili
The Terme Maschili was the men's section of the Terme del Foro (Forum Baths). Note the old toilet on the left of the entrance before you enter the apodyterium (dressing room), complete with a waiting customer bench and a convenient wall shelf for storing sandal and toga.
5. Viva Lo Re
Whether you're after an inspiring meal or a simple vino, this refined yet comfortable coffee (casual pub) is a solid choice. The wine list is extensive and impressive, while the menu offers competent, produce-driven regional cooking with subtle modern twists. For an appetite-piquing overview, start with the multi taste antipasto Viva Lo Re.
6. Casa Dello Scheletro
In the courtyard, don't miss the skylight, with remnants of an ancient security grill. Among the mythological mosaic wall paintings of the house, only the faint paintings are the original ones; others currently reside in the Archeologico Nazionale museum of the city of Naples.
7. Decumano Massimo
The high street of Herculaneum is lined with shops and advertisements; Search for wines advertised on the wall by color codes and price per weight. Note the one to the right of the Casa del Salone Nero.
Farther east along the street, a cross found in an upstairs room of Casa del Bicentenario (bicentenary house) provides possible evidence of Christian presence in the pre-Vesuvius Herculaneum.
8. Casa dei Cervi
Casa dei Cervi is a prime example of the house of a Roman aristocratic family, before the volcanic mudslide, boasting an address on the coast. Constructed around a central courtyard, the two-story villa contains murals and some beautiful still-life paintings.
Waiting for you in the yard is a pair of small marble deer attacked by dogs, and an intriguing statue of a drunk, pissing Hercules urinating.
9. Casa del Tramezzo di Legno
Unusually, this house has two atria, likely belonging to two separate houses merged in the 1st century AD.
The most famous monument here is a beautifully preserved wooden screen, separating the atria from the board, where the owner speaks business to his customers. The second room on the left side of the atria has the remains of an antique bed.
10. Casa di Nettuno e Anfitrite
This noble rug takes its name from the extraordinary mosaic picture in the trio (dining room), which also has a mosaic goddess (fountain and bath like a temple for water goddesses). The warm colors in which the sea god and his goddess bride are depicted suggest the luxury of the original interior must-have.
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from : https://wikitopx.com/travel/top-10-things-to-do-in-herculaneum-ercolano-708447.html
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