Herculaneum, better known as Herculaneum, became world famous for its popular archaeological excavations. Discovered in 1748 during excavation work carried out by Charles III of Bourbon. After the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. completely destroyed the old Herculaneum.
Over the years, Herculaneum has gained more and more prestige, not only for the presence of the archaeological site. But also for the spectacular 18th-century Villas of the Golden Mile and the sensational MAV (Virtual Archaeological Museum).
Ruins of Herculaneum
The archaeological excavations of Herculaneum are the focal point of the city. The one that attracts the largest number of tourists, attracted not only by the history of the ancient city but especially by the state of preservation of the houses and domus on the archaeological site.
Here, in contrast to Pompeii, one can find elements and materials that were completely destroyed during the eruption. This peculiarity is linked to the characteristics of the eruption, which were different in the two cities.
In fact, Herculaneum was only hit by the powerful pyroclastic flow and lava, but not by the rain of ash and lapilli, which made it possible to find intact structures that did not collapse under the weight of the lapilli.
Also, it is possible to see the second floors of the houses, balconies, roofs, the wood of the partitions, in short, elements that are not found in Pompeii.
The extent of Herculaneum’s excavations is greatly reduced, as most of the ruins are buried under the new town.
But the city founded by Hercules is a real jewel that one cannot help but visit.
Starting with the beautiful house of Neptune and Amphitrite, famous for the spectacular coloured mosaics in the atrium. Passing by the house of the deer with its marvellous large terrace and the small paintings in the portico still intact.
The house of the wooden partition famous for the large partition between the two rooms made entirely of wood that is still perfectly preserved.
In short, Herculaneum still retains all the charm of the ancient city
The 18th-century villas of Herculaneum
Herculaneum is not only famous for its archaeological excavations but is much more.
Here are the most beautiful villas built in the 18th century by the most important architects of the time, known to many as the villas of the Golden Mile.
This is a stretch of road that was chosen by the nobles of the Neapolitan Court to build their prestigious villas and gardens. Mainly because of the location between nature, the sea and the volcano, and because of the particularly mild climate, to be used as a place for holidays and rest.
There are a total of 122 villas, 22 of which are in the municipality of Herculaneum.
Villa Campolieto
These include Villa Campolieto one of the most beautiful Vesuvian villas of the Golden Mile. Located in Corso Resina, exactly 650 m from the entrance to the archaeological excavations of Herculaneum.
Work on the villa was initially entrusted to Mario Gioffredo. Who was later replaced by Luigi Vanvitelli, who directed the work until his death, which was completed two years later by his son Carlo in 1775.
The particularity of Villa Campolieto is the large elliptical-shaped rear portico with a spectacular view of the sea and the two enormous flights of stairs, also elliptical in shape, leading to the garden below, not to mention the marvellous frescoes inside the villa. One noteworthy is the fresco in the gazebo room, so called because of its reproduction of a gazebo covered with a cultivated vine.
Villa Ruggiero
A stone’s throw from Villa Campolieto, in Via Alessandro Rossi, 750 m from the Herculaneum excavations, is the beautiful Villa Ruggiero, which extends into a more hilly area. In fact, compared to the other eighteenth-century villas, this one has a more rustic appearance, used in the past mainly for agricultural activities.
The symbolic element of Villa Ruggiero is the bust of San Gennaro, preserved inside a niche in the central part of the terrace on the upper floor, making the gesture of stopping the lava from Vesuvius.
Villa Durante
Villa Durante, characteristic for its triangular shape and also overlooking Corso Resina was built by the architect De Dominici and painted by Ferdinando Sanfelice.
The Villa has a chapel inside the courtyard built by the Durante family, which contains a statue of St. Gennaro. On the central part of the exterior facade, however, there is the family coat of arms, along with the remains of a statue of St. Michael.
Villa Favorita
Villa Favorita one of the most sumptuous villas in Herculaneum built by Ferdinando Fuga. It is famous for its characteristic Pompeian red and ochre yellow coloring and huge rear terrace overlooking the sea.
What characterises Villa Favorita is the immense park extending down to the sea with a Bourbon landing stage that was used by the royal family to reach Herculaneum directly from the sea. Unfortunately, this continuity between the park and the landing was interrupted when the railway line was built in 1839.
The villa also has a wonderful annex, known as the Casina dei Mosaici, because its interior is entirely made of mosaics.
Many of the Miglio d’oro villas can now be visited, while others have become resorts, hotels and luxury B&Bs, such as Villa Durante, Villa Signorini.
MAV Virtual Archaeological Museum of Herculaneum
At Herculaneum it is possible to relive the history, traditions and everyday life of the days before the eruption of 79 AD thanks to the MAV, Museo Archeologico Virtuale.
The MAV located 160 m from the entrance to the archaeological excavations of Herculaneum, is equipped with sophisticated technology.
Through holograms, 3D reconstructions and multi-sensory effects, makes it possible to go back to that 24 October of 79 AD. And relive exactly the moments when the pyroclastic flow reached the city of Herculaneum, causing death and devastation.
But not only through the virtual reconstructions made by the MAV it is possible to see Villa Papiri with its wonderful library, the theatre of Herculaneum, the baths and the moments of relaxation that the ancient Herculaneans spent inside them.
