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Discover one of the best-preserved archaeological sites around the globe with its official audio guide. Get to know rare-known secrets of the ancient town buried under the volcanic ash of Mt Vesuvius.

Explore the ancient town of Herculaneum at its Archaeological Park in Italy with an official audio guide.

Get to know historical anecdotes of the millennia-old buried Vesuvian town.

Stroll through the archaeological site on the route specified by the audio guide and tune in at 63 listening points.

Listen to the entertaining narrative storytelling of the audio guide available in 5 languages.

Take 360° virtual tours and sneak a peek into the daily life of elite Ancient Romans.

  • Audio guide
  • Entry tickets to the Herculaneum Archaeological Park

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Your Experience

Experience the magic of Herculaneum Archeological Park while listening to its official audio guide. One of the best-preserved archeological sites in the world, Herculaneum is full of fascinating historical anecdotes. The official audio guide will curate a path best to explore the site to the fullest. With 63 listening points, you'll tune in to the engaging guide for a total of 150 minutes of audio.

Children can enjoy a special path reserved for kids with an audio storytelling session of about 40 minutes. Take advantage of the simple touch display and get access to 360° virtual tours. Immerse yourself in the region's past as you learn about the ancient city before the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD through accurate historical geo-localization technology. You'll also learn about the fascinating story of site director Francesco Sirano.

Operating hours

Herculaneum, know before you go, important information.

Please bring a valid photo ID to be left as a deposit (copies or student cards not accepted).

Bring along your earphones with a jack cable for Android devices.

Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Please display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the attraction.

Please arrive 10-15 minutes before the start time of your tour to avoid delays.

If you have purchased reduced-price tickets, please carry your valid photo ID proof for verification.

Ticket Redemption Point

You can redeem your tickets at Corso Resina, 187, 80056 Ercolano NA, Italy.

To locate the meeting point on Google Maps, simply search for - Parco Archeologico di Ercolano.

href=https://www.google.com/maps/place/Parco+Archeologico+di+Ercolano/@40.8046369,14.3453812,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x133ba6ef3175b7d7:0x6258aa527167827b!8m2!3d40.8046329!4d14.3475699>Get Directions to the Redemption Point

Getting There

The closest bus stop is Plinio, a 5-minute walk from the Herculaneum.

Bus #5 will get you there.

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Exploring the lost city of Herculaneum.

Exploring the lost city of Herculaneum.

Herculaneum

Herculaneum tour with audioguide

Welcome to the Herculaneum Excavations, a fascinating journey into the heart of an ancient city buried by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. With our special ticket, you'll have the opportunity to explore this extraordinary archaeological site, a testament to Roman luxury and daily life. The included audio guide will accompany you through the well-preserved ruins, narrating the story of Herculaneum and revealing fascinating details about life during that time. Discover the grandeur of this buried city and immerse yourself in its millennia-old history with our ticket to the Herculaneum Excavations. Are you ready for a journey through time?

Tour information:

Come explore a place stolen from the passage of time.

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Informations

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Herculaneum | Vesuvius’ well-preserved victim

Buried alongside Pompeii in the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, lies Herculaneum, a smaller yet more opulent Roman city. Unlike Pompeii , which was smothered by ash, Herculaneum was struck by a superheated pyroclastic surge, a scorching cloud acting as an insulator, essentially flash-baking the city and preserving a remarkable amount of organic material.

Even today, the remains of wooden furniture, doors, roofs, mosaics and frescoes, and even food have been remarkably preserved, offering a unique window into the daily lives of its wealthy residents. Visit Herculaneum in the Campania region of Italy and discover its amazing history.

Things to know before booking Herculaneum tickets

Your Herculaneum ticket types explained

Herculaneum Tickets

Skip-the-line tickets

Suited for: Those short on time

What you get

Herculaneum Tickets

Guided tours

Suited for: History and culture enthusiasts

Herculaneum Tickets

Suited for: Those looking for an end-to-end package tour

Herculaneum Tickets

Combo tickets

Suited for: Those who are seeking an in-depth experience

Booking guide: Find the best Herculaneum ticket for you

Herculaneum map and navigational guide.

The ruins at Herculaneum have several interesting attractions to visit, from ancient Roman houses to boat sheds and gymnasiums. Here's a map guide to getting around the ruins on your visit.

Herculaneum route map

What to see inside Herculaneum

house of neptune - what to see inside herculaneum

Located a little further from the House of the Charred Furniture, the House of Neptune was created as a tribute to the gods Neptune and Amphitrite. The primary attraction at the House of Neptune is a stunning glass mosaic wall featuring Neptune and his wife Amphitrite, with marble masks over it.

Considered one of the most magnificent villas in Herculaneum, this site gained fame due to the discovery of numerous papyrus scrolls that offer insights into the philosophical and intellectual rigor of the time. The Villa of the Papyri is thought to once have a vineyard and gardens, and has a direct view of the sea from its terraces.

Thermae (thermal baths)

The thermal baths date back to the 1st century BC and clearly demarcate separate areas for men and women. Once can still identify how the water was heated by a large, still-intact furnace.

Hall of the Augustales

Devotees of Emperor Augustus’ cult met here for their meetings and claimed it as their official seat. It is also identified by various frescos, famous ones portraying Hercules wrestling Achelous.

From all the excavation projects, the Samnite House was identified as one of the oldest aristocratic residences in Herculaneum. Of note is its beautiful flooring, rainwater pool and still-standing columns and pillars.

House of the Deer

On this spot, one can find another grand villa in Herculaneum, facing the oceanside. These were decorated with statues of deer and large marble tables that one can find in the on-site museum as well. Notice the unique flooring of this villa, as it is covered with intricate mosaics, frescoes and marble chips.

House of the Relief of Telephus

One of the largest buildings to have been excavated in Herculaneum, this house features a relief of Telepho, son of Hercules, being cured by Achilles. This residence is believed to be owned by Roman senator Marco Nonio Balbo.

It was in this boat house that some 300 skeletons were found. The remains are thought to be of people who sought to flee Vesuvius’ wrath by the sea, but the heat got to them before they could escape. 

Plan your visit to Herculaneum

Herculaneum Timings

March 16 to October 14: 8:30am to 7:30pm. October 15 to March 15: 8:30am to 5pm.

Last admission: 90 minutes before closing time. Closed: January 1 and December 25.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Herculaneum is in the morning (before 11am) or during the off-season, between October to April. This offers a more relaxed tour experience.

Herculaneum tickets

Address: Corso Resina, 187, 80056 Ercolano NA, Italy. Find On Map .

Getting there

By train:   L1, L4 Nearest station: Ercolana Scavi By bus: ANM Nearest stop: Herculaneum By car: via A3, E45 Car parking: In addition to various private car parks in the area, the municipal car park in Viale dei Papiri Ercolanesi is operating regularly. 

Accessiblity

Washroom

Tips and Guidelines

Seafood - Plan your visit to Herculaneum

Hotel Room

Pompeii

Pompeii, Herculaneum’s twin site, was also entombed by hot ash and pumice by the Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 AD, preserving the city's structures, artifacts, and even human remains. Unlike Herculaneum, however, the debris that coated Pompeii was far lesser, aiding easier excavation of its remains.

Location: 16 km away

Mount Vesuvius

Still a fire-breathing dragon, Vesuvius is an active volcano that has lost some steam over the years. Now no longer as deadly as it once was, small spurts of sulfur occasionally escape from its mellow peaks. Visit this geological site to get an insight into its terrain and character — and discover how it reduced the cities on its foothills to near ash.

Location: 12.9 km away

National Archeological Museum

National Archeological Museum

The Naples National Archaeological Museum is one of the most important archaeological museums in the world, housing an unparalleled collection of artifacts from ancient Pompeii, Herculaneum, and other sites in southern Italy. Some noteworthy works include the Bronze Runners from Herculaneum’s Villa of the Papyri, erotic charms and phallic symbols salvaged from Pompeii.

Location: 19.2 km away

Frequently asked questions about Herculaneum tickets

You can expect to save 20 minutes to an hour of waiting time by booking priority access tickets. With these tickets, all you need to do is show your ticket at the entrance and begin your tour immediately.

Since Herculaneum is buried in historical wealth, walking the ruins with a tour guide or archeologist can help you understand the meaning and purpose of various houses, frescoes and mosaics and other remnants. So, paying the extra few bucks for a guided experience is absolutely worth it.

Although nothing quite tops a guided tour , you can still learn about the history and significance of the Herculaneum with audio guided tours like Herculaneum Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide . If you want to go the traditional route and explore on your own, make sure you do plenty of research before visiting so you can fully appreciate what you’re looking at.

Avail Herculaneum audio guide tours in Italian, English, French, Spanish and German.

Typically, those under 18 enter for free, as do members of the ICOM, people with disabilities and one companion, students and teachers enrolled in courses related to archeology, culture, history, conservation, etc. Groups, Ministry bodies, etc. are liable to receive concessions.

It depends on the ticket you choose to book. While some tickets offer a full refund on canceling tickets up to 48-72 hours in advance, for others there may be no refund available on cancelation. Please check before you make your reservation.

Yes, entry is free for people with disabilities and one companion, provided they offer proof of availing social support.

Yes, tourists can generally access all sites open to visitors, unless any specific monument or building is cordoned off for repair, like the Villa of the Papyri , for instance.

While not exactly hidden, definitely check out the Palestra that sprawls two terraces (here, ancient Romans engaged in physical sport and ball games). Also visit the House of the Wooden Partition which has sliding doors that still work on their hinges. Though not much to look at, you can also stop by the House of the Skeleton, known for the fact that a skeleton was discovered here in the 19th century. It now has faded mosaics. 

Yes, Herculaneum is a popular day trip destination owing to its proximity to Naples. From Naples or Pompeii, book transfers to Herculaneum. To tour Herculaneum from Naples, you need just 3 hours, including travel time. Additionally, along with Herculaneum, you can even visit Mount Vesuvius if your ticket permits.

Nomad Epicureans

Visit Herculaneum: A Comprehensive Guide + Self-Guided Walking Tour

Herculaneum is an archaeological site on the Bay of Naples in southern Italy, best known as the Roman town that was destroyed by the same colossal eruption of Mt. Vesuvius that engulfed Pompeii. Though not nearly as famous as its better-known neighbor, visiting Herculaneum is enriching and ought to be as much a priority on your Italy trip as Pompeii and Vesuvius. We’ve compiled a guide on how to visit Herculaneum that includes the history of Herculaneum, practical information, and tips. We’ve also included a comprehensive self-guided Herculaneum walking tour which highlights the main things to see in Herculaneum.

Please note that this article contains affiliate links. Learn more about it on our Disclosure page. We use ads to support our small business – we hope you don’t mind them too much.

Table of Contents

History of Herculaneum

Best Places to see in Italy: The ancient ruins of Herculaneum

There is no solid archaeological evidence to indicate when Herculaneum was founded. According to legend, Herculaneum was founded by the Greek hero Heracles (Hercules in Latin) and took its name from him, indicating that the city was of Greek origin.

However, it seems that as is the case with Pompeii , the Oscans founded the first settlement at Herculaneum and they were followed by Etruscans,  Greeks, and the Samnites. After having participated against Rome during the Social War, Herculaneum was conquered and became part of the Roman Empire in 89 BC.

Herculaneum sits on a natural terrace in a strategic position overlooking the Bay of Naples to the west and gives easy access to the sea. Written and archaeological evidence indicates that by the first century AD, Herculaneum was a glitzy seaside resort for wealthy Romans from nearby Naples and other parts of Campania. 

Herculaneum’s idyllic existence came to an abrupt end in the autumn of AD 79 with the deadly eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. At approximately 13:00 in the autumn of AD 79, Mt. Vesuvius erupted, sending a mushroom cloud of incandescent ash, pumice, toxic gases, and molten rock 19 kilometers (12 miles) into the air.

Nobody knows for certain the exact date of Mt. Vesuvius’s eruption in 79 AD. Pliny the Younger, a Roman writer who provided the sole eyewitness account of the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, noted the date as the 24th of August, regarded as the traditional date for the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. However, archaeologists have challenged the traditional August date in the past on various grounds. They have argued that the large quantities of fruit found in Herculaneum and other Vesuvian sites suggest an autumn season. Plus, there is sufficient evidence to suggest that the wine harvest had already taken place before the eruption. A newly unearthed charcoal inscription by Italian archaeologists endorses the notion that the eruption did not take place during the summer but in autumn. Therefore, it now seems likely that the AD 79 Vesuvius eruption occurred in the second half of October (possibly on 24 October).

Due to its location and the direction of the wind on that fateful day, Herculaneum was largely spared from the volcano’s debris in this phase, receiving only a very thin layer of ashes and lapilli. However, on the second day of the eruption, the town of Herculaneum was buried under approximately 15–25 meters of pyroclastic material.

Most of Herculaneum’s residents fled to a nearby beach but about 340 perished while trying to escape, suffocating to death on toxic fumes.

Herculaneum lay buried and largely intact for centuries and today, the Italian town of Ercolano (formerly Resina) lies on the approximate site of Herculaneum.

Systematic investigations of Herculaneum started only in 1738. Since then, excavations at the site have continued sporadically until the present day. Conservation efforts at Herculaneum are focused on preserving what has already been exposed to the public, however, rather than digging up more ruins

Given that only a third of Herculaneum has been unexcavated, we can only speculate what other marvels are still hiding beneath the surface.

Is Herculaneum Worth Visiting?

YES! Despite the fact that it tends to get overshadowed by Pompeii , Herculaneum is equally interesting and well worth visiting.

Ironically, the same viscous volcanic debris that enveloped and destroyed Herculaneum helped preserve not only the framework of its homes and buildings but also the more delicate materials such as wood and other natural substances. 

Wooden furniture, textiles, and even food shed light on what everyday life there was like. Be awed by Herculaneum’s wealth of archaeological treasures such as plunge pools, stylish mosaics, carbonized furniture, door moldings, and terror-struck skeletons. 

The excavations of Herculaneum are one of the most prestigious monumental complexes of classical antiquity. In 1997, Herculaneum was given the status of a World Heritage Site by UNESCO

A visit to the ruins of Herculaneum ruins won’t leave you disappointed as there is no closer look into ancient Roman history than a walk around it. 

The fact that everything there is “suspended in time,” makes Herculaneum a one-of-a-kind and fascinating place. It’s like you can stroll into a dwelling, and almost expect the owner to come and greet you.

You don’t even need to be a history nerd or budding archaeologist to appreciate the site. So, visit Herculaneum pronto!

What is the Difference Between Herculaneum and Pompeii?

Although the towns of Herculaneum and Pompeii are situated only 14 km (9 miles) apart and are often spoken in the same breath because of their shared fate, obliterated by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, they are quite distinct from one another.

One of the other major differences between Pompeii and Herculaneum is one of scale. Whereas Herculaneum covered approximately 20 hectares and had a much smaller population of around only 4,000 inhabitants, Pompeii covered an area of some 66 hectares and may have had a population of roughly 10,000–20,000 inhabitants, 

At the time of Vesuvius’s eruption in AD 79, Herculaneum was a wealthier city than Pompeii. As a result, Pompeii has a much richer diversity in architecture on display whereas Herculaneum is dominated by ornate private dwellings with, for example, far more lavish use of colored marble cladding.

The other main difference between Pompeii and Herculaneum is how the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius affected the two towns. The way the destruction of the two towns took place had an impact on their conservation state. 

Pompeii is situated 9 km (5.5 miles) southeast of Mt. Vesuvius whereas Herculaneum is located 7 km (4.5 miles) west of Mt. Vesuvius meaning it is closer to the volcano.

Mt. Vesuvius’s eruption in AD 79 sent a deadly cloud of volcanic debris (ash and lapilli) hurtling southeast toward Pompeii due to the direction of the wind that was blowing at the time. The town was gradually submerged under the volcanic debris that made structures collapse under its weight before the pyroclastic surges then completed the town’s annihilation.

As a consequence, Pompeii looks pretty rundown in places, with missing walls and very little surviving above the ground floor. Despite being closer to the volcano, Herculaneum largely averted this rain of debris, potentially allowing many residents to escape before the more destructive second stage of eruption.

It was only on the second day of Vesuvius’s eruption that Herculaneum was hit by intensely hot pyroclastic currents that destroyed all forms of life.

The volcanic debris covering Pompeii is made out of a soft layer of pumice and ash about 4–6 meters deep. The series of pyroclastic surges and flows covering Herculaneum buried the town under 15–25 meters of tuffaceous material.

Thus, unlike Pompeii, which was plundered extensively after the eruption, the thicker layer of tuffaceous material and special conditions of ground humidity preserved everything underneath Herculaneum. The ruins of Herculaneum are generally better preserved and feel more alive than those of Pompeii.

Herculoaneum’s multi-storied homes stand frozen in time, complete with doors and staircases, as well as a wealth of organic material and everyday items largely missing in Pompeii. Plus, the conditions at Herculaneum largely prevented tampering and looting.

Is Herculaneum Better Than Pompeii?

It would be unfair to say that Herculaneum is “conclusively better” than Pompeii or vice versa. 

However, both Herculaneum and Pompeii possess unique aspects and excel in some regards which the other site lacks. This doesn’t make one site “better” than the other, but it might be more suitable for your specific needs.

For instance, Herculaneum is better-preserved, much less crowded, offers better protection from the shade, is easier to navigate, is easier to explore with kids, and covers a smaller area meaning there’s much less ground to cover. 

On the flip side, Pompeii is certainly the more iconic site and its larger area of diverse architecture means that it offers a better opportunity to get lost among the ruins. 

Lastly, if you’re debating whether to visit Pompeii or Herculaneum, you should do both if possible. You may be under the impression that visiting one site is enough because they are so similar but there are quite a few unique features to each of them. 

You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how a Roman town looked and worked, and how its citizens lived if you visit both Pompeii and Herculaneum instead of just visiting one. 

Both sites perfectly complement each other and my advice is to visit Pompeii first as it provides the big picture and visit Herculaneum later as it fills up the missing pieces with vivid details.

Top Attractions to Visit in Herculaneum + Self-Guided Walking Tour (With Map)

We’ve highlighted the top 12 attractions in Herculaneum that you shouldn’t miss. For your convenience, we’ve included a self-guided Herculaneum walking tour on which you can see all the highlights of Herculaneum.

The self-guided Herculaneum tour is 1.25 km (0.75 miles) long and takes about 1-2 hours at a moderate pace. If you wish, you can add additional stops along the way. Use your official map in combination with our map of this walking tour to customize your itinerary.

The layout of Herculaneum is quite straightforward in comparison with Pompeii. It is divided into three parallel streets, Cardo III, IV, and V, which have upper and lower segments (Superiore and Inferiore) and are intersected by streets called the Decumano Inferiore and the Decumano Massimo. 

Not only will this tour show you what are the main things to see in Herculaneum, but it will also give you a taste of what really made an ancient Roman city. On this self-guided walking tour of Herculaneum, you will see:

1. Entrance

2. fornici (boathouses), 3. casa dei cervi (house of the deer), 4. casa del rilievo di telefo (house of the relief of telephus), 5. palestra, 6. casa di nettuno e anfritite (house of neptune and amphitrite), 7. casa sannitica (samnite house), 8. casa dell’atrio a mosaico (house of the mosaic atrium), 9. casa del tramezzo di legno (house of the wooden partition), 10. terme del foro (thermal baths), 11. sede degli augustali (hall of the augustals), 12. casa dello scheletro (house of the skeleton).

Visit Herculaneum: Access ramp of Herculaneum Archaeological Park giving a good overview of the ruins

After leaving the ticket building, go through the turnstiles and walk the path below the site to the entrance. The access ramp gives you a good overview of the Roman town, lying 25 meters below the modern street level. 

The ramp curves around the southern end of the site from where you can take the metal ramp that leads down through a tunnel in the solid rock, emerging at the ancient shoreline. 

The entrance to the stone boathouses of Herculaneum. PC: Itto Ogami, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

One of the best things to see in Herculaneum is the arched fornici, a row of barrel arches that were used as storerooms or boathouses. It’s a pretty grim way to start your Herculaneum visit and perhaps nowhere else is the horror of the 79 AD eruption captured so dramatically.

When the inhabitants of Herculaneum saw that the pyroclastic flow from the eruption of Vesuvius was barreling toward them, many of them ran toward the sea to escape in the stone boathouses which they thought would shelter them. 

For a long time, it was assumed that these people died instantly from the intense heat of the pyroclastic surge, but further research from the victims’ bones determined that the heat they experienced, although insanely high, wasn’t high enough to kill them instantly partly due to the small protection that the boathouses provided. 

As the helpless victims suffocated to death on toxic fumes while trapped in oven-like boathouses, their possessions such as jewelry, lamps, coins, keys to houses, and work tools fell around them.

Visit Herculaneum: Human skeletons inside the arched boathouses (fornici).

The skeletons, about 340 of them, were only discovered in the 1980s and the 90s – until that point, historians had believed that almost all the population of Herculaneum had escaped the destruction of the city. 

Casts of their remains can still be seen and similar to the well-known plaster casts in Pompeii, it’s pretty difficult to look at the remains without a lump in your throat.

Curled up in a futile attempt at defending themselves, you can’t help but feel how terrifying it must have been for them.  

Beautifully sculpted marble statues in the House of the Deer in Herculaneum. PC: Falk2, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Up the ramp from the boathouses lies the Casa dei Cervi (House of the Deer), one of the most luxurious villas in Herculaneum. The name of the house derives from the beautifully sculpted little pair of marble deer being attacked by dogs that were found here.

The House of the Deer must have been the envy of Herculaneum residents as its big terrace at the front must have had marvelous views over the Bay of Naples. Its two floors were built around a central courtyard and it contains a formal dining room and several bedrooms.

The House of the Deer is famous for its marble-chip and mosaic floors and frescoed walls. In addition to the sculptures of the deer, the house contains notable statues such as the “Drunken Hercules” (portraying an inebriated, peeing Hercules barely able to remain upright after a night of revelry) and “Satyr with a Wineskin.” 

Note that these sculptures are replicas; the originals are now all in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.

Visit Herculaneum: The colonnaded House of the Relief of Telephus

The House of the Relief of Telephus is one of the major points of interest in Herculaneum and is located just opposite the House of the Deer. It is the second-largest house in Herculaneum and was constructed on three levels.

With several dozen rooms and commanding a heart-stopping view across the silver-blue Bay of Naples to the islands of Ischia and Capri, the House of the Telephus Relief was highly sought-after Roman real estate. 

Visit Herculaneum: A relief depicting Telephus, son of Hercules at the House of the Relief of Telephus

The House of the Relief of Telephus is named for a 1st-century BC relief that narrates the mythical story of Achilles and Telephus. The relief depicts Achilles consulting the Sibyl of Delphi on the left side and Achilles scraping rust from his spearpoint to heal Telephus’s wound on the right side.

This Augustan building (27 BC-AD 14) is also famous for its atrium featuring Ionic columns and marble oscillas – discs with reliefs hanging off the peristyle’s beams between the columns.

Visit Herculaneum: The colonnaded entrance to the Palestra. PC: Miguel Hermoso Cuesta [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Take a quick peek past the columned entrance to Herculaneum’s large Palestra, where the Romans passed their leisure time playing ball games and wrestling. 

Laid out over two terraces and with a long colonnade on two terraces, the Palestra has a fish pond, a fountain, and an area set aside for religious rites.

Visit Herculaneum: A striking mosaic in the House of Neptune and Amphitrite

The aristocratic House of Neptune and Amphitrite is undoubtedly one of the best things to see in Herculaneum. 

The streetside of this house is home to a wine and cereal shop with a wooden balcony, a screen, and a rack for amphorae. The shop is extremely well preserved with the original wine racks and vessels still in place! 

The house was thought to be the home of an affluent art-loving merchant and takes its name from the wall mosaic adorning the triclinium (dining room). 

This sparklingly preserved and richly ornamental mosaic shows the ancient sea god Neptune and his nymph bride Amphitrite. Note the shells and lava topped with marble theatrical masks that line the scene. 

Visit Herculaneum: Hunting themed mosaics adorning the walls of the House of Neptune and Amphritite

A nymphaeum (a grotto-like alcove with a fountain) can be found at the rear of the house and is adorned with hunting-themed mosaics. 

Herculaneum: Lovely mix of artistic styles inside the Samnite House. PC: Miguel Hermoso Cuesta [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.

Located at the corner of the Decumanus Inferior and Cardo IV is the Samnite House, one of the places you shouldn’t miss in Herculaneum. This patrician mansion was built in the second century BC, making it about 300 years old at the time of the eruption.

The house features a lovely mix of artistic styles of ancient Roman mural painting. The entrance has first style (Incrustation) décor, with a coffered second style (Architectural) ceiling, while the walls of the atrium are painted in the fourth style (Intricate). 

The beautiful Greek-style atrium features dramatic frescoes and a gallery lined by Ionic columns The pattern of the tiled floors is also of interest. Don’t forget to look up to admire the delicately carved tufa capitals.

Visit Herculaneum: Black and white geometric patterns inside the House of the Mosaic Atrium. PC: sébastien amiet;l [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

The stately House of the Mosaic Atrium is one of the top attractions in Herculaneum. 

The house features a large garden surrounded on three sides by porticoes. It would have had lovely views and its elegant décor hints that it had a wealthy owner. 

The House of the Mosaic Atrium takes its name from the elaborate black-and-white checkerboard floor mosaic which surrounds the impluvium, the sunken part of the atrium where the rainwater comes through the opening in the roof was collected. 

You can also see the buckling effect here which was probably caused due to the force of the mud and ash flow that engulfed the town in AD 79.

The garden of the house has a marble fountain and porticos on three sides. It is decorated, like the rest of the house, with fourth-style paintings.

Visit Herculaneum: The folding partition inside the House of the Wooden Partition. PC: Miguel Hermoso Cuesta [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

The House of the Wooden Partition is a particularly well-preserved home that has also been somewhat reconstructed. It is a patrician house of Samnite type but without a peristyle or colonnaded court.

The  House of the Wooden Partition gets its name from the sliding wood doors that separate the atrium from the tablinum (study). Amazingly, these doors still slide on the original bronze tracks. I mean, how’s that for long-lasting quality?

Look out for the geometric design of the floor mosaic, and the wall paintings in the room to the right of the entrance.

Herculaneum Thermal Baths: Red walls and mosaics of sea creatures of the Terme Del Foro

A visit to the central bath complex is one of the best things to do in Herculaneum. Constructed in the first half of the 1st century BC, the baths contained separate sections for men and women. 

Enter the men’s section on the Cardo III and look out for the apodyterium (changing room) which has shelves for depositing togas. 

Through there, you can access the frigidarium (cold bath) which has red walls and a blue dome with yellow niches. Continue further to the tepidarium (tepid bath) which features a black and white mosaic of dolphins, an octopus, and a sea god.

The ingeniously designed barrel ceiling allows condensation from the heated air to follow the curve of the roof and drip harmlessly down the walls as opposed to a flat roof, which would have enabled this condensation to drip on the heads of the bathers.

The separate female bathing area is accessible across the grassy, colonnaded palestra. Its lovely mosaic floor is decorated with motifs of Triton and sea creatures. Note the shelves for storing garments and the lovely seats of white and red marble.

Visit Herculaneum: Well-preserved mythically themed frescoes inside the Hall of the Augustals

The Hall of the Augustals is one of the must-see highlights in Herculaneum. Majestic and atmospheric, the quadrangular-shaped hall contains some of the best-preserved frescoes in Herculaneum.

The house that the Hall of the Augustals is in once belonged to an imperial cult of wealthy freed slaves dedicated to the first Roman Emperor, Octavian Augustus, who was proclaimed a god after his death.

The hall features two striking wall paintings. Adorning the left wall is a depiction of the ancient hero Hercules about to enter Mt. Olympus, accompanied by the Roman goddesses Juno and Minerva. The fresco directly opposite alludes to the battle between Hercules and the Etruscan god Acheloo. 

Herculaneum: Frescoed walls and mythically themed wall mosaics of the House of the Skeleton

The last stop of this self-guided Herculaneum tour is the House of the Skeleton. This house is so-named because a skeleton was found on the upper floor during excavation work in the early 19th century. 

Today, only the ground floor of this two-storey building still remains. Frescoed walls and mythically themed wall mosaics can still be seen. However, only the faded ones are originals.

How to get to Herculaneum

How to get to herculaneum from naples by train.

If you’re dead set on using public transport, the best way to get to Herculaneum from Naples is by train. You can choose from two main train services, the Circumvesuviana and the Campania Express.

Circumvesuviana trains run from Napoli Porta Nolana Station and Napoli Piazza Garibaldi Station (Napoli Central Station) in the direction of Sorrento every 30 minutes. You can check the Circumvesuviana train schedule here .

Porta Nolana is the first stop on the Circumvesuviana route so you’ll maximize your chances of getting a seat if you board there, especially if traveling in the peak summer season. Additionally, if you or someone you’re traveling with finds stairs difficult, Porta Nolana is more accessible than Napoli Centrale.

The train journey between Naples and Herculaneum usually takes 15-20 minutes. Disembark at the stop Ercolano Scavi. Exit the station and just walk straight down the Via IV Novembre. The street is signposted and it is a 10-minute walk to the Herculaneum entrance.

Tickets for the Circumvesuviana can be bought from the ticket counter or a tobacconist (look for the red T). A one-way ticket costs 2.40 EUR. After buying your ticket, pass through the gates and proceed to platform 3 from where your train will depart.

Please be mindful of your belongings on the platform as the Circumvesuviana train route is notorious for pickpocketing and petty theft.

Keep in mind that the Circumvesuviana trains are a bit scruffy, often crowded, have no luggage storage area, no guaranteed seats, and no air conditioning.

If you want to take a train with guaranteed seats, fewer crowds, air conditioning, and luggage storage, you can take the Campania Express. 

The Campania Express runs from Napoli Porta Nolana Station and Napoli Piazza Garibaldi Station (Napoli Central Station) in the direction of Sorrento four times a day from mid-March to the end of October, shaving a few minutes off the trip from Naples. You can check the Campania Express schedule here .

Just like with the Circumvesuviana trains, you also get off at the stop Ercolano Scavi. A one-way ticket for the Campania Express costs 8 EUR. 

How to get to Herculaneum from Naples With a Guided Tour

By far the easiest way to get from Naples to Herculaneum is with a fully guided day tour. This takes all the legwork out of planning a route on how to get to Herculaneum from Naples, buying tickets, and what to see there.

There are several great options to choose from if you want to visit Herculaneum on a guided tour from Naples. Some of these even give you the choice of combining Herculaneum with Pompeii or Mt. Vesuvius. 

A guided tour will save you time to ensure you won’t miss anything important. Some of the ones I can recommend are:

  • Half-day tour of Herculaneum from Naples
  • Pompeii & Herculaneum Full-Day Sightseeing Tour from Naples

How to get to Herculaneum from Naples By Car

To reach Herculaneum by car from Naples, take the motorway named “A3 Napoli-Salerno” and take the exit toward Portici/Ercolano from A3. Then, take Via IV Novembre to SS 18 Tirrena Inferiore/SR18 in Ercolano and follow the signs “Parco Archeologico di Ercolano.” 

The journey takes about 20 minutes. Keep in mind that the motorway has tolls. There are public car parks close to the Herculaneum archeological site. 

Finally, if you’re not a confident driver, I wouldn’t recommend driving in Southern Italy as drivers can be pretty aggressive here.

How to get to Herculaneum from Rome

You can also visit Herculaneum on a day trip from Rome and it is definitely worth the trip. It’ll make for a long day, but you can do it. 

The best way to get from Rome to Herculaneum is by train. You’ll first need to take a train from Roma Termini Station to Napoli Centrale, and then take one of the train options to Herculaneum as mentioned above.

Just make sure you choose a high-speed train from Rome to Naples and not a regional one, as you have a long day ahead of you and you don’t want to spend it perched on trains. Check Trenitalia for tickets.

Practical Information for Visiting Herculaneum

1. what are the opening hours of herculaneum.

The Herculaneum Archaeological Park (Parco Archeologico di Ercolano) is open Thursday–Tuesday all year round, except 1st January, 1st May, and 25th December. The opening hours differ from high to low season. 

During the high season (16th March–14th October), Herculaneum is open from 08:30–19:30 (last entry is at 18:00). During the low season (15th October–15th March), Herculaneum is open from 08:30–17:00 (last entry is at 15:30).

2. How much does it cost to enter Herculaneum and where can I buy Herculaneum tickets?

Entry to the Herculaneum Archaeological Park is not free and requires a paid ticket. Admission to Herculaneum costs 13 EUR for adults. Concessions are available under certain conditions. Admission is also free for kids under 18.

Tickets to Herculaneum can be purchased online on TicketOne.it , the official ticket seller for the Herculaneum Archaeological Park. 

It is also possible to purchase tickets directly from the Herculaneum ticket office but the number of visitors is limited to make sure everyone has enough space. To avoid long queues at the ticket counter and to be certain of getting in, it is recommended to book your tickets online in advance.

You can also purchase a fast-track entrance ticket to Herculaneum on legit third-party resellers such as GetYourGuide or Tiqets . It is a tad more expensive but fully refundable. 

Entrance to Herculaneum is free on the first Sunday of every month. However, unless you are on a tight budget, you should avoid visiting Herculaneum on this day as it can get rather packed.

N.B. Everyone visiting Herculaneum has to go through airport-style security checks. You will have to scan your bag, including your cell phone and camera.

3. Do you need a guide to visit Herculaneum?

There’s no prerequisite to having a guide to visit Herculaneum. Upon entry, you’re provided with a map so you’re free to investigate on your own. 

You can also rent an audio guide for a fee at the ticket office. However, like many other audio guides, it provides a good foundational knowledge of the sites but the commentary is rather dry and does tend to drone on a bit.  

To avoid your Herculaneum visit ending in disappointment, I strongly recommend bringing along a detailed guidebook or, better still, booking a guided tour.

Tour guides will give you more information than the audio guides, will answer questions, and will get you around Herculaneum with minimum fuss. They’re knowledgeable and experienced, and well worth their fee. Plus, tour guides are real history buffs and are never short of intriguing anecdotes

You can either book a guide on arrival (look out for a bunch of them hanging inside the entrance wearing licensed red wooden neck tags) or book a tour online through a reputed agency like GetYourGuide. 

In case you’re interested in booking a Herculaneum guided tour, I would recommend either this 2-hour small group tour with an archaeologist or an exclusive private tour of Herculaneum .

4. How many hours do you need in Herculaneum?

That depends. The amount of time you spend in Herculaneum will be a good gauge of your level of historical nerdiness. 

If you’re a history buff and possess a deep curiosity about the subject matter, you could easily spend an entire day (or more 😉) being fascinated by the ruins. Realistically though, a visit to the excavations of Herculaneum requires about 2-3 hours. 

5. When is the best time to visit Herculaneum?

The best time of the year to visit Herculaneum is in the shoulder season (March–April & October–November). This is when the weather is at its most pleasant and the crowds are pretty thin. 

Visiting Herculaneum in the middle of summer (June–August) is not ideal as the heat and crowds are at their worst. You’ll encounter the least crowds in the winter but keep in mind that in the event of inclement weather and rain, the ancient pavement of cobblestones can be quite slippery.

The best time of day to visit Herculaneum is either first thing in the morning right at opening time or after 14:00 or 15:00.

Monday–Tuesday and Thursday are the best days to visit Herculaneum as Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are by far the most popular days to visit the site.

6. Can I bring a bag when I visit Herculaneum?

It’s best to pack light when visiting Herculaneum as you are only permitted to bring a small bag into Herculaneum, such as a backpack.

Large bags and bulky items (i.e. over 30x30x15 cm) are not allowed inside Herculaneum. If you bring them, you can use the free cloakroom at the ticket office to store your belongings.

7. Are there restrooms in Herculaneum?

There are toilets at the ticket office. Just look for the “WC” signs.

Tips for Visiting Herculaneum

Here are some things you need to know before you visit Herculaneum.

1. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water bottle

Herculaneum does have some shaded areas and is not as exposed as Pompeii. However, it would be a good idea to wear a good sun hat and sunglasses to protect your skin from sun exposure in the warmer months. And take the time to lather up with sunscreen (ideally one with a high SPF) a few times during the day.

Make sure to bring a water bottle which you can refill at water fountains around the site. 

2. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes!

One of the most important tips for visiting Herculaneum is to wear a pair of comfortable walking shoes as the ground is usually uneven and you can expect a lot of walking on rough surfaces. Ditch the heels and try to avoid sandals and flip-flops!

3. Bring your own food when visiting Herculaneum

It would be a smart choice to bring your own food, especially if you’re traveling with kids or anyone who’s likely to be grumpy when hungry as there is no café or restaurant on site. You can use the designated picnic areas inside Herculaneum for eating.

You can also pick up some food and beverages from the several cafés and restaurants in the vicinity of the archaeological area in Ercolano. 

Keep in mind that you cannot exit and re-enter Herculaneum to get food (unless, of course, you’re willing to pay the admission fee again).

4. Go with an intent to learn when you visit Herculaneum

Though this may sound rather obvious, if you visit with a desire to learn, you’ll be so much more satisfied with your trip. I have spotted some people in Herculaneum who seemingly had no interest in what they were looking at and they looked bored out of their minds. 

Don’t visit Herculaneum if it’s just ticking a box on a list of things to do in Italy, or if you just want to get a selfie of yourself there and nothing else. It’s really not the sort of place that you’re going to get anything out of unless you put your time and interest into it. 

5. If possible, try to visit Mt. Vesuvius and Herculaneum on a separate day

Though it is logistically possible to combine your Herculaneum visit with Mt. Vesuvius or Pompeii, you’ll practically be running around the sites. It would be better to visit those sites on different days for a more relaxed pace and a far more enjoyable experience.

6. Try to visit the National Archaeological Museum of Naples

You may be a bit surprised to know that many of the most spectacular archaeological finds from Herculaneum aren’t located within the Herculaneum Archaeological Park at all.

Instead, a lot of these archaeological treasures – a glittering array of mosaics, sculptures, and more have found a permanent home in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli).

So, if you have time to spare, you might want to check out this fabulous museum as it provides a lot more detail and context to what you will see in Herculaneum.

Accommodation for Visiting Herculaneum

If you’re looking for a base to explore these spectacular ruins, we’ve compiled a list of good options.

Naples: Costantinopoli 104 , a great choice in the historic center of Naples.

Rome: Hotel Nord Nuova Roma , a solid option next to Roma Termini Station (Rome’s main railway station) 

Ercolano: Herculaneum Hotel & Maison , an excellent option in Ercolano, only 50 meters from the entrance of the ruins.

Further Reading For Your Campania Visit

That summarizes our comprehensive guide on visiting Herculaneum. However, we reckon you’ll find the following resources useful for planning your trip to the Campania region!

→ Uncover the 27 best things to do in Naples! → Find out how to spend one perfect day in Naples! → Check out our list of 12 best pizzerias in Naples! → Find out the 10 Best Neapolitan Pastries You Must Try in Naples! → Discover the 7 Best Gelato Shops in Naples! → Read our comprehensive guide to visiting Caserta Royal Palace! → Check out our comprehensive guide to visiting Procida! → Check out our ultimate guide to hiking Mount Vesuvius! → Check out our in-depth guide about how to visit Pompeii!

More Information About Italy

Venice:  Find out the 30 best things to do in Venice !

Venice:  Check out the 14 best traditional souvenirs to buy in Venice !

Venice:  Check out the 30+ must-see sights along the Grand Canal in Venice !

Venice:  Check out the 22 must-try foods in Venice !

Trieste:  Discover the 18 best things to do in Trieste !

Rome:  Check out the 20 historical sites in Rome you shouldn’t miss !

Rome:  Check out our ultimate guide to visiting the Roman Forum !

Rome:  Find out the 30 best things to do in Rome !

Rome:  Check out the 20 must-try foods in Rome !

Now, what do you think? Is visiting Herculaneum on your bucket list? Or is there anything else that shouldn’t be missed at Herculaneum ? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Mihir is co-owner of Nomad Epicureans.

Hello there, fellow globetrotters! I’m Mihir, a passionate travel blogger with an insatiable wanderlust. My journey across the world is fueled by curiosity and a hunger for unique experiences. As a travel writer, photographer, and adventurer, I’ve explored more than 35 countries, aiming to provide readers with a distinctive glimpse of our diverse world. Join me as I blend captivating storytelling with stunning visuals, guiding you through hidden gems and cultural treasures. Besides traveling, my other loves are my beloved cats, architecture, art, craft beer, classic movies, history, and Australian Rules Football (Go Dons!).

1 thought on “Visit Herculaneum: A Comprehensive Guide + Self-Guided Walking Tour”

hello, 1) Where is best to park a car near the Herculaneum archaeological site ? Can you send a link from which I can print a map of the site ? thanks

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Visiting Ercolano (Herculaneum) Italy

What to expect, tickets, and getting to ercolano (herculaneum).

Ercolano (Herculaneum)

Ercolano, known to many as Herculaneum, is just a few miles from Pompeii and 150 miles south of Rome, close to Naples.

In many respects Ercolano is a smaller version of Pompeii, both are buried Roman cities that have been remarkably preserved when excavated.

A lot of people prefer Ercolano to Pompeii as it is a much more compact site and has significantly less visitors.

Both sites are managed by the same people and it is easy to visit both in one day using a combined ticket and the local train which connects both.

Getting to Herculaneum   What to expect at Ercolano   Herculaneum tickets   Herculaneum guided tour from Naples   Ercolano private tour from Naples

Getting to Ercolano (Herculaneum) by public transport

Frecciarossa train Rome

If you are not visiting on a tour then the best way to visit is probably the Circumvesuviana trains from Naples. This is a network of several lines in the Naples region, with Naples as the hub. The line to Ercolano goes from Naples to Sorrento and also stops at Pompeii.

If you are travelling from Rome , there are fast hi-speed trains that take around 70 minutes to Naples

Ercolano and Pompeii from Rome by train

There are two train stations called Ercolano, you want Ercolano Scavi.

Circumvesuviana trains from Naples go twice an hour between about 6am and 9.30pm Trains are very crowded, be prepared to have to stand for much of the journey.

Journey times are about 20 minutes to Naples and 50 minutes to Sorrento.

From the station entrance walk down the station approach road to a small roundabout style junction, cross straight over and down the main street directly opposite. Soon you'll get some reassuring signs so you know you are walking in the right direction.

Circumvesuviana trains - full details

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Visiting ercolano - what to expect.

Ercolano Bar

Ercolano is in the middle of the town of Ercolano. If you do not come on a tour bus walk from the local Circumvesuviana railway station, Ercolano Scavi, (more details further down the page).

Despite what the local touts may tell you its a 10 minute walk straight down the main street of Ercolano.

Ercolano opening times

Ercolano is open every day except Wednesdays, 25th December, 1st January and 1st May.

From 1st April to 31st October the site is open 8.30 - 7.30pm (with last entrance 6pm).

At other times the site is open 8.30 - 5:30 pm (with last entrance 3.30pm).

There are not the queues as at Pompeii mid-morning and there is no tourist tat village outside the gates.

Do I need a tour guide/ audio guide?

There is very little in the way of information within Ercolano describing what you are viewing.

If you want to make sense of what you are viewing you really do need a tour guide, an audio guide or a very good guide book. No audio guide is provided with admission.

For most independent visitors who want information about what they are seeing (recommended) the audio tours seem to be the most popular guide. You hire them at a separate kiosk after going the the ticket gate.

Once you leave the visitor facilities section, if you are not with a guide make sure you obtain a map of the site.

Facilities within Ercolano and at entrance gates

Facilities within the complex are basic, one small restaurant and cafe, rest room facilities, a bookshop/gift shop and that's about it. The restaurant and cafe often doesn't even bother opening, even when there are significant visitors.

This is not Disneyland, don't expect ice-cream stands and other commercial distractions scattered around the ruins.

The excavated town of Ercolano is well below the current level of the modern town. The entrance gates, ticket offices, gift shop, toilets, audio-guide kiosk and-restaurant are on the modern ground level and look down on the excavated city below.

The whole site is very exposed, only the ruins provide any shade, so it is imperative you bring lots of sunscreen, a hat and water.

Luggage and bags

Luggage or bags larger than 30x30x15cm are not allowed into Pompeii.

There is a cloakroom at the entrance gates where you can leave bags.

Ercolano (Herculaneum) tickets

You can order Pompeii tickets and tours to suit your needs in advance. No queueing and waiting, no foreign exchange issues.

Herculaneum

Skip-the-line Herculaneum ruins ticket

Skip-the-line Herculaneum tickets

• Skip-the-line entry ticket to Herculaneum • Instant confirmation • Free cancellation • Option to present ticket on smartphone

Pompeii & Ercolano (Herculaneum) guided tour from Naples

For those who don't want the hassle of finding your own way and appreciate being informed on what you are witnessing, the stress free option is to simply take a tour that sets out from Naples with pick-ups at the cruise terminal and major hotels in Naples.

If you are coming from Rome by train, tours will pick-up from the Starhotels Terminus Hotel, a major hotel immediately outside the main entrance of Naples Centrale Station on your left.

Pompeii and Herculaneum day trip from Naples

Pompeii and Herculaneum day trip from Naples

• Free hotel pickup and drop-off included • Led by a local guide • 3-course lunch included

Private tours to Pompeii & Ercolano (Herculaneum) from Naples

Using a local private car and driver is a very attractive option and for small groups can be very affordable too. For those coming from Rome you can be met at Centrale Station.

Your English speaking driver will meet n greet you at Naples Centrale Station and will ensure your trip encompasses exactly what you want to see at a pace set by you.

All vehicles are non smoking and fully air conditioned.

We offer three sizes of vehicle, for 1-3 people, 4 or 5 people and 6 to 8 people. Price is per vehicle not passenger.

After booking you pay a small deposit and receive a voucher through email. The remainder will be paid directly to the driver.

pompeii

Private visit to Pompeii from Naples

Pompeii and Herculaneum day trip from Naples

• Free hotel pickup and drop-off included • Led by a local guide • 3-course lunch included • Option to add on Herculaneum and/or Mount Vesuvius

Private Pompeii & Amalfi Coast tour

Pompeii and Herculaneum day trip from Naples

• Private round-trip transportation between Naples and Pompeii plus the Amalfi Coast • See Sorrento and Positano • Option to add on guide for Pompeii excavations

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Ahead Of Juneteenth, Mayor Adams Announces Creation Of Interactive Audio Tour Exploring City’s Abolitionist History

June 6, 2024

‘More Than a Brook: Brooklyn Abolitionist Heritage Walk’ Explores Brooklyn’s Role in National Abolitionist Movement and Underground Railroad Across City Landmarks

Announcements Build on Adams Administration’s Investment Towards Racial Equity and Justice

NEW YORK – Ahead of Juneteenth, New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the creation of “ More Than a Brook: Brooklyn Abolitionist Heritage Walk ,” an interactive audio tour that explores Brooklyn’s history as a critical neighborhood for the National Abolitionist Movement and the Underground Railroad. The audio tour can be accessed on a smartphone, tablet, or other device through the Landmark Preservation Commission’s (LPC) website . The interactive audio tour was commissioned by LPC and created by Kamau Studios and Black Gotham Experience . This project was supported by a grant from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation and financed in part with federal funds from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

“New Yorkers walk through Brooklyn every day, unaware of the history right under their feet and surrounding them,” said Mayor Adams . “This interactive audio tour allows all of us to celebrate the heroes who stood up against injustice, risked their lives, and fought for the freedom they deserved. To build a better future, we must first examine and understand our past. This Juneteenth, our city recommits to reckoning and recognizing our role in the historic fight for racial equity and justice.”

“I congratulate the Landmarks Preservation Commission’s collaboration with Kamau Ware Studios and the Black Gotham Experience for shining a light on Brooklyn’s abolitionist heritage, and the city’s role in fighting against slavery,” said  Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer . “I also thank New York State’s Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation for funding this worthy project.”

“New York City’s designated landmark sites and historic districts tell our shared story, and Brooklyn is home to an incredible collection of historic landmark buildings that connect us to our past and highlight the central role New Yorkers played in the fight against slavery,” said  LPC Chair Sarah Carroll . “This immersive audio tour lifts up their stories, honoring the memory of those who suffered and fought for justice and freedom. This Juneteenth is a reminder that the fight for equity is part of our collective heritage as New Yorkers and we must work to create a more just and fairer city for future generations to come.” 

“Juneteenth provides us the opportunity to reflect on the wrongs of the past while honoring the resiliency of those that came before us and sacrificed so much,” said  New York City Chief Equity Officer and New York City Mayor's Office of Equity & Racial Justice Commissioner Sideya Sherman . “We commend the Landmarks Preservation Commission and partners Kamau Ware Studio and the Black Gotham Experience for reconciling our past with our present and showcasing our city’s pivotal role in the national abolitionist movement. Through this interactive heritage walk, New Yorkers can learn from and examine our past while fully immersed in the city we all know and love.”

"The fight for Black freedom and justice has been a long one, and many of its most inspiring and consequential figures lived and worked right here in Brooklyn," said Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo . "My agency is working with artist Kenseth Armstead to commission a lasting monument to Brooklyn's Abolition movement in the newly-opened Abolitionist Place. This new audio guide from LPC and Black Gotham Experience will allow New Yorkers to go even further into the history and connect more deeply with the people and places who put everything on the line to do what they knew was right."

“Our public spaces are where New Yorkers connect — not just with their neighbors and with the great outdoors, but also with our history,” said  New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Sue Donoghue . “Thanks to this creative collaboration, New Yorkers will discover Brooklyn’s rich abolitionist heritage while experiencing our historic buildings and treasured greenspaces in a brand-new way. With Juneteenth around the corner, this audio tour is an important contribution to our ongoing efforts to uplift Black history and ensure our city is equitable and just for all New Yorkers.”

New York City played an important role in the effort to abolish slavery nationwide and assist those seeking to escape it. The neighborhoods of Brooklyn Heights, Fulton Ferry, Downtown Brooklyn, and Fort Greene contain a walkable concentration of important historic landmark sites associated with New York City’s abolitionist history, the Underground Railroad, and the larger anti-slavery movement before the Civil War through political and religious activism.

The three-part audio experience guides participants through Brooklyn's rich abolitionist history, incorporating 19 stops and highlighting the many landmark sites along a 4.5-mile walkable path, including the residences of abolitionist Lewis Tappan and Harriet and Thomas Truesdell, and religious spaces, including Plymouth Church, Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church, and the Friends Meeting House. The audio tour also introduces important local historic figures in the abolition movement, including businesswoman Elizabeth Gloucester, pioneering sisters Dr. Susan Smith McKinney-Steward and educator Sarah J. Tompkins Garnet, and Plymouth Church preacher Henry Ward Beecher, highlighting all their stories to illuminate the multiple ways people and institutions engaged with the anti-slavery movement before the Civil War and the continued fight for freedom afterward.

The “More Than a Brook: Brooklyn Abolitionist Heritage Walk” reflects LPC’s ongoing commitment to equity and inclusion in all their work as part of the agency’s Equity Framework ; its efforts to preserve places that tell the story of all New Yorkers and reflect their collective heritage, making the significant history embodied in landmarks more accessible; and expanding educational outreach efforts to reach new and diverse audiences. Additional resources can be found on LPC’s website, including LPC’s interactive story maps, “ New York City and the Path to Freedom ,” which explores New York City’s abolitionist history across all five boroughs through designated landmarks that embody it and “ Preserving Significant Places of Black History ,” which highlights and explores buildings, sites, and historic districts significant to Black history throughout New York City.

Mayor Adams announced new economic data showing that the  unemployment rate for Black New Yorkers has significantly decreased  since the start of the administration. Between January 1, 2022, and April 1, 2024, the Black unemployment rate in the five boroughs decreased from 10.7 percent to 7.9 percent — a 26 percent decrease. This marks the first time since 2019 that the Black unemployment rate in New York City has been below 8 percent.

“With Juneteenth upon us, I am proud that we are launching this Heritage Walk to tell the world about New York City’s abolitionist history,” said New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar . “This interactive walking tour will bring to life the integral role Brooklyn played in the Underground Railroad and the abolitionist movement. People from all over the world will learn what New Yorkers did to stamp out the moral blight of slavery, and Brooklynites will take pride in their neighborhood knowing this rich history. This exemplifies our goal to uplift all communities and share everyone’s history in our Gorgeous Mosaic.”

“As we approach Juneteenth, it's essential to remember and honor New York City's pivotal role in the fight against slavery,” said  New York State Senator James Sanders Jr . “This interactive audio tour highlights the courageous efforts of those who fought for freedom in our nation and is crucial to understanding our past and inspiring our future!”

“Brooklyn has a rich abolitionist history, and the echoes of that fight for freedom and justice can be felt at historic sites around the borough, including at many in the neighborhoods I have the honor to represent,” said  New York   State Senator Andrew Gounardes .   “This audio tour is a way to uplift and celebrate this history, and to help New Yorkers learn about the many people and institutions engaged in the fight against the evils of slavery. As we approach Juneteenth, this audio tour is an opportunity to learn from the past while charting a course toward a future of true freedom, liberty and justice for all.”

“The abolitionists’ fight for freedom in New York cannot become forgotten history as we continue to tackle discrimination to this day,” said  New York State Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn . “I applaud Mayor Eric Adams for launching an innovative program highlighting and teaching Brooklyn's history as a crucial launchpad for the National Abolitionist Movement and the Underground Railroad as we keep advancing equality.”

“I want to thank Mayor Adams for shedding light on the history of the Abolitionist Movement and the Underground Railroad here in New York City,” said  Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson . “With this initiative, he is ensuring residents and visitors alike can immerse themselves in our city`s past and our contributions to the fight for racial justice and equity.”

“‘More Than a Brook’ brings Brooklyn's rich abolitionist history to broad audiences and offers a glimpse into who we are as a borough and a people,” said  Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso . “Oral history is the perfect tradition and vehicle to reckon with the past and honor the ongoing fight for a more equitable future based in racial and social justice. Thank you to Mayor Adams for expanding access to the stories that helped build our city and free our ancestors from slavery.”

“I'm thrilled to see the launch of the 'More Than a Brook: Brooklyn Abolitionist Heritage Walk' just in time for Juneteenth,” said  New York City Councilmember Kamilah Hanks . “This interactive audio tour is a powerful tool that will bring to life Brooklyn's rich history in the National Abolitionist Movement and the Underground Railroad. By making this history accessible on smartphones and tablets, we are ensuring that the stories of those who fought for freedom and justice are preserved and shared with future generations. I commend Mayor Adams, the Landmark Preservation Commission, Kamau Studios, and Black Gotham Experience for their incredible work on this project.”

"Downtown Brooklyn and its adjacent neighborhoods are steeped in historical significance, with several landmarks and sites that honor Brooklyn's role in the Abolitionist Movement," said Regina Myer, President, Downtown Brooklyn Partnership . "The Abolition Heritage Trail will highlight the people and institutions that were instrumental in the fight for freedom, including the home of abolitionists Harriet and Thomas Truesdell which is located next to the newest park in our neighborhood, Abolitionist Place. We look forward to sharing these stories with the public and preserving an important part of our borough's history."  

“Brooklyn Bridge Park is thrilled to be a stop on the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission’s Brooklyn Abolitionist Heritage Walk and audio tour,” said Brooklyn Bridge Park President Eric Landau . “By retracing the steps of abolitionists and amplifying their stories, we not only honor their legacy, but also reaffirm Brooklyn’s commitment to justice and equality. This tour sheds light on Brooklyn Bridge Park's role in a crucial piece of this city’s history and will bring us towards a more compassionate and equitable future.”

“More Than A Brook is a walk through Brooklyn that connects historic locations to illustrate a portrait of 19th century communities resisting the institution of slavery. The concentration of characters that walked the docks onto city streets is significant to the history of New York State and the United States,” said Black Gotham Experience, founder, Kamau Ware . “It is commendable that the Landmarks Preservation Commission is opening up the layers behind these historic buildings and the liminal spaces between. It has been an honor to work in the community, inspired by the disparate Brooklyn abolitionists that created a rising tide, challenging the presence of slavery in America.”

“Congratulations on the launch of this remarkable project,” said New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Deputy Commissioner for Historic Preservation Daniel Mackay . “More Than a Brook showcases Brooklyn’s abolitionist history through an immersive exploration of local historic landmarks. Bringing this history to life takes creativity, collaboration, and resources — the very ingredients that New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission used to make this audio tour possible. This project is a great example of how certified local government grants through the New York State Historic Preservation Office bring federal funds back into communities each year to support preservation programs and explore history in dynamic and engaging ways.”

“For nearly 200 years, New York University has been inextricably tied to New York and its history, said New York University Vice President of Government Relations and Community Engagement Kyle Kimball . “We are proud that Wunsch Hall, formerly the Bridge Street Methodist Church, the first independent Black church in Brooklyn and a stop on the Underground Railroad, is a part of the exciting, new abolitionist heritage walk that the Landmarks Preservation Commission is launching. We congratulate them on this important effort to remind New Yorkers of the vital role our city has played in our nation's history.”

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