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Pompeii Archaeological Park
No. 11 of Best Things to Do in Italy

Pompeii Archaeological Park

8.9
4.6/5
478 reviews
The Pompeii Archaeological Park is located on the shores of the Bay of Naples in southern Italy, with Mount Vesuvius as its backdrop. In 79 CE, the sudden eruption of the volcano buried the entire town under ash and pumice, inadvertently preserving its streets, houses, shops, and frescoes—freezing the daily life of an ancient Roman town at the moment of disaster. Beyond the ruins, the site also features poignant casts of victims: cavities left by decomposed bodies in hardened ash were filled with plaster by archaeologists, recreating their final moments, with a group of such casts displayed in the Garden of the Fugitives. The tour typically begins at the Porta Marina in the west, where the Temple of Venus, the patron goddess of Pompeii, stands on a high platform to the right of the entrance. Along the main street, visitors can see the rectangular Basilica with its recognizable column remnants and frescoes, followed by the ancient Temple of Apollo nearby. Further ahead lies the central forum, where the columns of the Temple of Jupiter frame the silhouette of Mount Vesuvius in the distance—a classic photo spot. The stone-paved streets outside the forum still bear deep ruts from ancient cart wheels. To the south are the Large Theatre and the covered Odeon, the latter once used for musical performances, with the Temple of Isis reflecting Egyptian influence nearby. Heading north to an intersection, the Stabian Baths offer a glimpse into ancient Romans' passion for bathing. Further east, the House of the Venus in the Shell features a small garden surrounded by a colonnade, with the famous fresco of Venus reclining in a shell still adorning the garden wall. At the southeastern end of the town stands the Amphitheatre, built around 2,000 years ago and capable of seating 20,000 spectators—one of the earliest surviving stone Roman amphitheatres, offering panoramic views from the upper seats. The House of the Faun in the northwest occupies almost an entire block; its excavated Alexander Mosaic is now housed in Naples' National Archaeological Museum. Nearby, the House of the Tragic Poet displays the famous "Beware of the Dog" mosaic at its entrance, with interior frescoes depicting mythological and theatrical scenes. The vast site offers limited shade, so allocate at least half a day for exploration, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water. Those interested in seeing the original Alexander Mosaic and other artifacts can pair their visit with the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.Pompei · 13.4 km from Ercolano
Royal Palace of Naples
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Naples metropolitan area

Royal Palace of Naples

5.8
4.3/5
79 reviews
Royal Palace of Naples faces the open Piazza del Plebiscito and is one of the landmarks of the historic center of Naples. It was originally used as the Spanish Viceroy's Palace, became the royal palace of the Bourbon dynasty after the 18th century, and was long the center of power for the Kingdom of Naples. The current facade, after extensive renovations in the 19th century, presents a neoclassical style. A row of niches on the ground floor contains eight marble statues of kings, ranging from the monarchs of the Norman dynasty to the king who unified Italy, presenting a timeline of the city's centuries of dynastic changes. The west side of the palace is open to the public as a museum. Along the visitor route, you can enter royal living spaces such as the ceremonial suites and the Throne Room. The interior is furnished with 18th- to 19th-century furniture, porcelain, tapestries, and paintings, including works from the Neapolitan School. The small and exquisite Court Theater is still in use today, and the royal chapel is also on the route. In the entrance courtyard, a wide, double-flight staircase rises to greet you. The rear of the palace also conceals a hanging garden, with a long, green terrace suspended between the floors. The east wing of the palace houses the Vittorio Emanuele III National Library. The collection includes ancient texts from the Farnese family, as well as nearly 2,000 papyrus scrolls unearthed in Herculaneum—they were carbonized by high temperatures and buried underground during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, making them one of the few surviving examples of ancient books. The library also preserves a fragment of a 5th-century Coptic Bible manuscript.Naples · 8.9 km from Ercolano
Castel Nuovo
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Naples metropolitan area

Castel Nuovo

5.2
4.4/5
108 reviews
Castel Nuovo is located on one side of thePiazza del Municipio in Naples, right next to the port, and is one of the city's landmarks. It was commissioned by Charles I of Anjou, the founder of the Kingdom of Naples. The name "Castel Nuovo" was given in contrast to the earlierCastel Capuanoand Ovo Castle in the city. After the Aragonese dynasty took control in the 15th century, it was rebuilt into its current layout by the Majorcan architect Guillem Sagrera: an irregular trapezoidal structure guarded by five cylindrical towers and surrounded by a moat. For centuries thereafter, it served as the royal palace for the kings of Anjou, Aragon, and Spain. The white marble triumphal arch at the main entrance was built to commemorate the triumphant entry of King Alfonso V of Aragon into the city. It is carved with scenes of the king entering the city in a triumphal chariot and the coat of arms of the Aragonese royal family, and is considered an important symbol of the introduction of Renaissance architecture to southern Italy. The main hall of the castle, the Hall of the Barons, was originally the Throne Room. Multiple ribbed arches intertwine on the octagonal dome to form a star pattern, with an opening in the center to let in light. The hall's name comes from the story of Ferdinand I, who used a wedding banquet as a pretext to lure and capture rebellious barons here. Until 2006, it was still used as the meeting place for the Naples City Council. Visits usually begin at the Palatine Chapel on the ground floor, where traces of frescoes painted by Giotto still remain. In the adjacent Hall of Arms, you can see excavated ancient Roman remains beneath the castle through a glass floor. The Civic Museum on the floor above displays religious paintings from the 15th to 18th centuries, including works by Neapolitan Baroque painters such as Luca Giordano. The second floor exhibits paintings from the 18th century onwards, organized by themes such as history, landscapes, portraits, and city views of Naples. From the side facing the sea, you can see the bay.Naples · 8.7 km from Ercolano

Experiences you can't miss in Ercolano

Featured Food & drink in Ercolano

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Ercolano vineyards, Cellar Visit, wine tasting and brunch
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Naples: Neapolitan Pizza and Tiramisù Making Class
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Naples: Small Group Pasta and Tiramisu Class with 4-Course Meal
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Authentic Cooking with Locals: Meal, Wine & Scenic Views
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Sorrento Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class With Wine - Cooking Italy
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Sorrento: Make Pasta and Tiramisu with a Local by Cesarine
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Sorrento Cooking Class with seaview Hands on 100% with pick up
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Featured Day tours in Ercolano

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Vesuvius and Pompeii Transfer with Vesuvius Park Entrance
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Duration: 8 hrs
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Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius: Skip The Line Ticket + Roundtrip from Naples
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Mount Vesuvius: Skip The Line Ticket + Roundtrip from Naples
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Mount Vesuvius: Fast Track Ticket + Roundtrip from Pompei
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Herculaneum Small Group Tour With an Archaeologist
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Mount Vesuvius: Fast Track Ticket + Roundtrip Transport from Pompeii
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Herculaneum - Small Group Tour (admission included)
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Herculaneum: 2-Hour priority guided Tour and entry tickets
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Featured Spa & wellness in Ercolano

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Relaxation and wellness: Thermal pools, spa, nature and aperitif included
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Naples: Admission to the Stufe di San Germano Spa – natural saunas, pool and relaxation
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Authentic Roman Thermal Baths Experience near Naples
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Bacoli: Terme Stufe di Nerone Thermal Spa Entry Ticket
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ARGILLARIUM EXPERIENCE – RITUS OTIUM + MANUS (120 minuti)
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Featured Culture & history in Ercolano

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Naples: 7-Day Pass - Pompeii, Museums & Transport Included
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Naples: 3-Day Pass, Pompeii, & Archeological Museum Included
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Herculaneum: Entry Ticket
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Herculaneum: Skip The Line Ticket + 3D Tour
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What travelers say about Ercolano

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Dreamer2002October 27, 2026
5.0
🏛️ Pompeii, Italy 🇮🇹 — A Journey Frozen in Time! 🌋✨Visiting Pompeii was one of the most fascinating and emotional experiences in Italy! ❤️ Walking through ancient Roman streets, surrounded by remarkably preserved houses, temples, and frescoes, felt like stepping back almost 2,000 years.What impressed me most was imagining everyday life before Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, burying the city beneath volcanic ash. Seeing the ancient bakeries, public baths, and haunting plaster casts of victims made history feel incredibly real. 🏺🌿The archaeological site is enormous, and every corner reveals something extraordinary! 📸💡 Travel tip: Allow at least 3–4 hours, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water and sun protection, especially during summer. ☀️❤️ Pompeii is more than an archaeological site—it’s an unforgettable encounter with history and a powerful reminder of nature’s force.#Pompeii #ItalyTravel #AncientRome #MountVesuvius

Pompeii Archaeological Park

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xugalenOctober 7, 2026
5.0
If you've already visited Pompeii, then this is the "soulful puzzle" that will allow you to truly understand Pompeii. Pompeii provides the awe-inspiring framework, but the details treasured in this museum are what truly fill in the flesh and blood of that history. From frescoes to sculptures to everyday objects, every exhibit helps you recreate the authentic life of 2000 years ago, creating a sense of dialogue across time.

Naples National Archaeological Museum

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david821221February 4, 2025
5.0
Don't be scared by the surrounding environment, it is still very safe and definitely worth a visit. It is simply amazing. But please note that photography is not allowed inside. The pictures I posted below are all collected from the Internet.

Sansevero Chapel Museum

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WanderinAussieJuly 3, 2022
5.0
We visited Mount Vesuvius as part of a full day that included Pompeii and it was absolutely wonderful.As we ascended the mountain we stopped mid way for the best pizza I have ever tasted. The little restaurant (which I am ashamed to say I don't remember the name of) unfortunately had a power outage shortly before we arrived. That did not stop them from welcoming us warmly and providing wonderful wood fired pizza for our lunch.From there it was on the Mount Vesuvius herself. There was poor visibility but luckily the rain had passed and we were able to hike to the rim of the crater. Unable to see in to the rim itself because of the low lying fog did not dampen the wonder of being at the top. If anything it added to the magic. Truly an experience of a lifetime.

Mount Vesuvius

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suifeng2019May 27, 2020
4.0
Standing in front of a window of the palace, you can see the majestic Mount Vesuvius in the distance and the beautiful Bay of Naples nearby. It is like the princes and nobles of the past could enjoy the beautiful scenery without leaving their homes.

Royal Palace of Naples

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沈福成February 29, 2020
4.0
After checking in at the Renaissance Naples Hotel, we walked to the new castle for a visit because the room was not available until 3pm. It took about 5 minutes to walk. There was a fee for admission and there was also a guide machine. There was a small church that was now hosting an art exhibition and there were many art works.

Castel Nuovo

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小思文December 16, 2019
4.0
The Cathedral of Naples is also a very unique building. The cathedral itself is full of many legendary features. The cathedral also has some very interesting facilities, and the bishop carries out some activities here.

Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta

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Rosanna_July 19, 2023
5.0
Great amazing time in Sorrento! definitely suggest to watch for the sunset by the Villa!

Sorrento

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Sophydee76January 17, 2024
5.0
this is a place that really feels like going back in time. go to Pompeii first as it sets the scene but the preservation here and the items they have discovered are amazing. if you love history it is a must see.

Archaeological Park of Herculaneum

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M26***37April 19, 2026
5.0
Very good experience

Catacombs of Saint Gaudiosus

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What are the must-do things in Ercolano?

Don't miss these attractions in Ercolano: Pompeii Archaeological Park, Naples National Archaeological Museum, and Sansevero Chapel Museum. If you like Food & drink, try Ercolano vineyards, Cellar Visit, wine tasting and brunch. If you enjoy Day tours, try Vesuvius and Pompeii Transfer with Vesuvius Park Entrance.

You can give Ercolano vineyards, Cellar Visit, wine tasting and brunch and Naples: Neapolitan Pizza and Tiramisù Making Class a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Vesuvius and Pompeii Transfer with Vesuvius Park Entrance, Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius: Skip The Line Ticket + Roundtrip from Naples, and Mount Vesuvius: Skip The Line Ticket + Roundtrip from Naples. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of November 4, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Ercolano is around EUR 10 – EUR 96. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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