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Parco Archeologico di Ercolano

OFFICIAL AUDIO GUIDE

Excavations of herculaneum.

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BOOK YOUR AUDIO GUIDE!

The audio tour with all the information you need to visit the Herculaneum Excavations independently. Book online your skip-the-line entrance ticket with the official audio guide, created in collaboration with the Park , or book only the audio guide and enjoy the tour of one of the best preserved cities of the ancient world!

Do you want to listen to the audio guide directly from your phone? Download the app on Google Play or App Store!

apple mobile app

VIRTUAL TOUR: watch the 360 ° videos with the story of the Director of the Park

What you will find in the audioguide.

ercolano app percorso adulti

TOUR OF ADULTS

Listen to the official audio tour of the Herculaneum Excavations: 63 listening points for a total of about 150 minutes of audio.

ercolano app percorso bambini

TOUR OF CHILDRENS

Choose the visit tour of the Park dedicated to children: 44 listening points for a total of about 40 minutes of audio

scavi di ercolano playlist app

CONTENTS IN 5 LANGUAGES

Select the language of your preference. The contents are available offline in Italian, English, French, German and Spanish

scavi di ercolano app direction

INTERACTIVE MAP

As you visit, consult the interactive map to locate points of interest and access audio tracks

scavi di ercolano app audioguide

VIRTUAL TOUR AND EXTRA CONTENT

Access special multimedia contents, such as 36o ° virtual tours created in partnership with TimeLooper

Read the opinion of those who have already tried the audio guide!

Unless you are an expert in archeology, I highly recommend the audio tour. It is affordable. 

Stupendo! Un tuffo nel passato sensazionale che lascia a bocca aperta, assolutamente da visitare almeno una volta nella vita. Di dimensioni un po’ più ridotte rispetto a Pompei, il sito archeologico di Ercolano è molto ben conservato e sicuramente più “a misura d’uomo”.  Ho utilizzato l’app durante la visita e la consiglio caldamente!

Mi ha impressionato molto. Si respira la storia e la cultura di quei tempi, e’ un viaggio dentro le rovine e dentro l’anima. L’audiotour è completo e assolutamente consigliato per capire meglio le meraviglie di questo luogo.

Visit the Pompeii Archaeological Park with the official audio guide

Update: the audio guide rental service inside the park is temporarily suspended, or download it on your mobile.

audio tour of herculaneum

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Book Herculaneum Audio Guide Tours

herculaneum skip-the-line tickets with audio guide-1

Herculaneum Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide

  • Bypass the long queues and dive straight into the ancient wonders of Herculaneum in Italy’s picturesque Campania region.
  • An audio guide allows you to immerse yourself in the well-preserved ruins of this lesser-known historic city, rivaling the nearby Pompeii in significance.
  • Explore the opulent House of the Deer and Villa of the Papyri, and walk along the ancient main street Decumanus Maximus, lined with shops and houses.
  • Discover the narratives woven into the colorful frescoes, intricate mosaics, and stunning structures offering insight into the lives of ordinary citizens.
  • Skip-the-line entry to Herculaneum
  • Audio guide in Italian, English, French, Spanish & German
  • Tip: Want to visit a supposed ancient cult temple rumored to be run by imperially-sanctioned freedmen? Stop by the College of Augustales.
  • Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Luggage Storage.
  • Please note that there is free entry for wheelchair users and 1 companion.
  • The audio guide is available in Italian, English, French, Spanish, and German.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

from pompeii/naples: pompeii & herculaneum guided tour with archaeologist-1

From Pompeii/Naples: Pompeii & Herculaneum Guided Tour with Archaeologist

  • You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
  • Tick off two important archeological sites ingrained in myth and history - Pompeii and Herculaneum, on the same day with round-trip transfers from Naples.
  • Immortalized by nature’s wrath, these tourist hotspots offer sneak peeks into the typical lifestyle of Romans in the 1st century.
  • Start your tour at the perfectly preserved site of Pompeii, where you will marvel at various artifacts such as artwork, frescoes, and ancient buildings.
  • Make your way towards Herculaneum, a town better preserved than Pompeii during the aftermath of Mount Vesuvius’s eruption in 79 AD, and witness palaces, houses, and colleges frozen under volcanic ash in impeccable condition.
  • Entry to Pompeii & Herculaneum
  • Round-trip transfers from Naples in Mercedes V Class or Ford minivan (optional)
  • Pick-up from the meeting point, airport, cruise terminal or main train station
  • English-speaking archaeologist guide
  • Small group tour of 20
  • Assistance on board
  • Headsets (for groups larger than 10 people)
  • Please note that there will be no breaks when visiting the sites at Pompeii. Please ensure that you carry a bottle of water should you need it as there are no beverages and food included in this tour aside from your mid-day meal.
  • During the low season, i.e. November to March, the live guide inside the ruins will be replaced with an audio guide if the group is less than 6 people.

from pompeii/naples: pompeii, herculaneum & vesuvius day trip-1

From Pompeii/Naples: Pompeii, Herculaneum & Vesuvius Day Trip

  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
  • Experience a full day of adventure and history, as you gain entry to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Vesuvius National Park.
  • Round-trip transfers from your hotel in either Pompeii or Naples, an expert driver, and a carefully curated route allow you to make the most of your trip.
  • Benefit from an insightful audio guide and map of Pompeii, followed by a visit to the homes and public spaces of the smaller city of Herculaneum.
  • At Mount Vesuvius, you’ll climb to the active crater along with a volcanic guide, and find a thriving wine industry on its fertile slopes!
  • Day trip to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Vesuvius
  • Round-trip transfers from Pompeii/Naples (as per option selected)
  • Entry to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Vesuvius National Park
  • Audio guide and map of Pompeii
  • Tip: Don’t miss Herculaneum's boathouses, holding the skeletal remains of those who tried to escape the eruption by sea.
  • While Pompeii and Herculaneum are wheelchair and stroller accessible, the climb up Mount Vesuvius is not.

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Artecard Napoli: 3 Museums Pass

  • Visit the sights of Naples without worrying about buying tickets. With this 1 card, gain access to its attractions and transport for 3 days.
  • Enjoy free entry to any 3 attractions of your choice from the list, and get up to 50% discount for entry to the 4th attraction onwards.
  • Benefit from free rides on public transportation for the duration of your pass's validity.
  • Get access to over 40 monuments, museums, and archaeological sites such as the Catacombs, Museum of Capodimonte, Royal Palace of Naples, and many more!
  • Click here to find the list of attractions, public transport, and discounts available with this card.
  • Free entry to the first 3 sites
  • Up to 50% discount from the 4th site onwards
  • 3 days of unlimited public transport use
  • Discounts and concessions
  • Tourist assistance while using the card
  • Tip: In order to make the best use of this card, plan your itinerary in advance to cover the top attractions.
  • In order to activate the Card, you must contact the service provider as per the instructions in the voucher you will receive after booking.
  • The digital pass is available in English and Italian.
  • Downloading the pass may take up to 10 minutes.
  • Enter anytime within operating hours 9am to 7pm.
  • These tickets are valid for 3 days from the date of purchase.

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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:

  • Buy the entrance ticket for the Herculaneum Archaeological Park online with skip-the-line access and an included digital audioguide;
  • Pick them up at our touristic services office "I Point Ercolano", a few steps from the " Ercolano Scavi - Vesuvio " EAV Circumvesuviana railway station;
  • You will receive a free map,  instructions to quickly download the audio guide on your smartphone and all the assistance you might require;
  • The entrance to the ruins of Herculaneum is located in Corso Resina n°187, just a five minutes walk from our office.

Come explore a place stolen from the passage of time.

  • By train: You can take the train from Napoli Centrale station to the Ercolano Scavi station. The main line is the Circumvesuviana. The train journey takes about 20-30 minutes.

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Informations

Related tours, the ancient charm of pompeii, excursion to vesuvius: an all-inclusive adventure.

The Ancient Charm of Pompeii

Discover South di Luca Coppola & C.S.A.S. P. IVA Aut. Reg. REA NA-991364 Polizza RC: 4268344 Associati Fondo Garanzia "Il Salvagente" PEC [email protected]

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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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Visiting The Ruins of Herculaneum

Visiting The Ruins of Herculaneum

As opposed to Pompeii , it's possible to visit all of Herculaneum in just a few hours. The archaeological park is ideal stop for those who have limited time but want to experience the thrill of walking in the footsteps of the ancient Romans!

Herculaneum has been preserved like no other site in the world, not even nearby Pompeii . The city was buried beneath 16 meters of ash and mud during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, and this layer of detritus saved two-story domus homes with the internal architecture and décor intact, including features in wood and marble, decorations, jewelry, and even organic remains like food, providing a unique view into the daily lives of the ancient population of Herculaneum.

We suggest spending at least a half day exploring the Herculaneum Archaeological Site; follow our itinerary to see the most important buildings in the site in 2-3 hours . In addition to an itinerary, we suggest the top sights to see along the route on this page, which are marked with the same numbers as the official map provided free of charge at the entrance to the ruins. You can also download the official map following the link below.

Opening time: From 16/03 to 14/10: from 8.30am to 7.30pm (last entry 6.00pm; the archaeological area must be left by 7.00pm) From 15/10 to 15/03: from 8.30am to 5.00pm (last entry 3.30pm; archaeological area must be left by 4.40 pm) Closing days: 1 January, 25 December Tickets: Ordinary ticket: €13. Under 18: free. Young people between 18 and 25 years of age: €2.

A Brief History of Herculaneum

Herculaneum is named for the mythical Greek god, Hercules , who, according the legend told by Dionysius of Halicarnassus, founded the city in 1243 BC. Historic analysis, however, suggests that the city was founded by the Oscans or the Etruscans in the 7th century BC , conquered by the Samnites in the 5th century BC. In 90 BC the city was dominated by Rome and transformed into a municipium . In the final years of the Roman Republic, Herculaneum reached the height of its splendor thanks to its coastal location, clean air, and mild climate, making it a popular resort town for many of Rome's patrician families. The city was vibrant and densely populated when the earthquake struck in 62 AD, causing serious damage; work to rebuild the city was still going on when the tragic eruption of Mount Vesuvius happened in 79 AD. The cloud of toxic gases from the eruption wiped out the inhabitants, while the entire city was literally sealed under a flow of ash and volcanic rock 16 meters deep that solidifiedi , preserving almost perfectly intact organic remains like fabric, food, vegetation, and wooden structures.

Visiting the Crater on Mount Vesuvius

The discovery of the ruins at Herculaneum was a complete accident: while a well was being dug in 1707 by order of Emmanuel Maurice, Prince of Lorraine , a number of marble fragments and statues that once decorated the ancient theater of Herculaneum were unearthed. In 1738, work began again under Charles III of Bourbon led by the Spanish military engineer De Alcubierre. In 1755, after a number of important discoveries were made, the Accademia Ercolanense was established, and was active until 1792. Excavations were suspended a number of times over the years until 1927, when the site began to explored in a more systematic way. Important artifacts were unearthed in the 1980s, along with sites like the Temple of Venus, the baths, and the ancient Greek port where the inhabitants tried to find refuge in 79 AD. The site has been home to intense excavation since 2000, especially around the Villa of the Papyrus and the library.

Two to Three Hour Itinerary

Sites to visit beginning from the Corso Resina 187 entrance ( Circumvesuviana “Ercolano Scavi” stop long the Sorrento - Naples line)

  • House of Argus (40)
  • House of the Skeleton (42)
  • Thermopolium (38)
  • Men's Baths (26)
  • Double Atrium House (25)
  • Hall of the Augustals (24)
  • House of the Beautiful Courtyard (28)
  • House of Neptune and Amphitrite (29)
  • Women's Baths (27)
  • Samnite House (31)
  • House of the Wooden Partition (36)
  • Large Taberna (10)
  • House of Relief of Telephus (7)
  • House of the Deers (8)
  • Terrace of M. Nonius Balbus (2)
  • Fornici (1)

The main sights to visit Area + number on the official map in parenthesis

Visiting the Herculaneum Archaeological Park with Kids

Visiting the Herculaneum Archaeological Park with small children can be difficult as the site's ancient Roman roads and sidewalks are not easy to navigate with strollers and pushchairs. We suggest using an infant carrier or backpack for children who are too young to walk, and leaving any wheeled strollers at the free bag check area at the entrance. Otherwise, you can follow the walkway that encircles the perimeter of the site with a stroller or pushchair, viewing the ruins from above.

Older children enjoy visiting the MAV (Virtual Archaeological Museum) , located a short walk from the entrance to the Herculaneum Archaeological Park. This museum has a virtual, interactive exhibition that recreates ancient Herculaneum as it was before the violent eruption in 79 AD that destroyed the city. There are 70 multimedia displays with reconstructions, installations, and holograms that illustrate the Herculaneum, Pompeii, Stabia, Baia, and Capri ruins in an entertaining and engaging way.

MAV - Hours Tuesday - Sundays from 10am to 16:00pm (last entry) MAV - Tickets Museum + 3D Film: EUR 11 adults; EUR 9 children under 13, seniors over 65, students, teachers, and Artecard members; free entrance for children under 5. Family tickets (2 adults + 2 children): Museum + 3D Film EUR 34. Museum tickets can be purchased at the ticket office or online. Purchase MAV tickets online.

Where to Eat

There are no picnic areas or restaurants/cafés inside the Herculaneum Archaeological Park. Before entering, there is a small snack bar next to the book shop where you can purchase beverages and snacks. To eat nearby, you can walk to a number of restaurants and cafés in the immediate area for either a sit-down meal or take-away.

We suggest: Viva Lo Re (tel: +39 081 739 0207 ) Located along Corso Resina, this restaurant has an excellent wine cellar with a number of Italian and international labels and a menu that varies weekly. Tubba Catubba (tel: +39 081 344 3503 ) This delicious informal eatery is also on Corso Resina just minutes from the ruins and serves fish, meat, and traditional regional dishes. Pizzeria Luna Caprese (tel: +39 081 777 1543 ) For an delicious Neapolitan pizza at great prices, this is an ideal choice.

Top Herculaneum Sites

1. men's baths (26).

audio tour of herculaneum

The Terme Centrali (Central Baths) date from the second half of the 1st century BC and were fully excavated in 1931. Like all baths, they were divided into areas for men (Termi Maschili) and for women. Walk through the apodyterium (changing rooms) with the wall niches to store clothing to the three bathing areas: the frigidarium (cold room), the caldarium absidato (hot room), and the tepidarium , with its beautiful black and white mosaic depicting Triton surrounded by dolphins, octopi, squids, and a cupid.

2. Hall of the Augustals (24)

audio tour of herculaneum

This magnificent square structure was seat to the College of the Augustales, free men who were devotees of the cult of the Emperor Augustus. Columns, arches, cocciopesto floors, and two splendid frescoes: on the left wall, there is a depiction of Hercules entering Mount Olympus accompanied by Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva; the fresco on the right wall depicts Hercules wrestling Achelous. The skeleton of the building's custodian was found in his quarters, laid out on the bed.

3. Samnite House (31)

audio tour of herculaneum

One of the oldest houses in the city, the House of the Samnites was built in the 2nd century BC and is famous for its beautiful Greek-style atrium painted in the Fourth Style (characteristic for its depiction of fantastical architecture and dramatic scenery), floors in cocciopesto, marble impluvium (rainwater pool), and a faux loggia upstairs with three sides lined in Ionic columns and the fourth (east) side open.

4. House of the Wooden Partition (36)

audio tour of herculaneum

The name of this home comes from the wooden partition (tramezzo di legno) that survived the eruption and is still standing in its original location. This folding door separated the atrium from the rest of the room, lending the inhabitants privacy, and has a series of folding panels with brass handles and holders for hanging lanterns.

5. House of Relief of Telephus (7)

audio tour of herculaneum

Built between 27 BC and 14 AD on the panoramic ridge overlooking the marina, this three-story home was decorated with a number of sculptures from the Neo-Attic school, including one with a relief of Telephus (Rilievo di Telefo), son of legendary found of the city, Hercules. The atrium is lined with columns supporting the upper floor, and the spaces between them were decorated with oscilla, or marble discs with reliefs of Dionysus used to guard against evil spirits.

6. Fornici (1)

audio tour of herculaneum

The fornici were the port warehouses (also used to shelter boats) located along the beach that was about 500 meters closer to the city in Roman times. In 1980, 300 human skeletons were unearthed here belonging to residents attempting to flee the eruption in 79 AD and killed by the scorching clouds of toxic smoke and ash created by the volcano. Along with their remains and personal objects like jewelry and coins, a nine-meter long Roman ship with skeletons of the rower and a soldier with his belt, two swords, chisel, and purse with coins were found.

Herculaneum Photo Gallery

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Are the herculaneum ruins accessible by wheelchair.

The archaeological site of Herculaneum is accessible by wheelchair thanks to two paths on platforms. Bathrooms accessible to people with disabilities are also available.

Are the Herculaneum Ruins free for people with disabilities?

People with disabilities do not pay the ticket for the Herculaneum Ruins. Admission is also free for an accompanying person.

Is there a binding time for entrance tickets?

Skip-the-line tickets for the Herculaneum Ruins are valid for the whole day. There is, therefore, no entry time, but keep in mind that you can only enter the site up to an hour and a half before closing time.

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Save this, 4 best Herculaneum guided tours

Things to do in Naples Naples Attractions Landmarks in Naples Herculaneum Guided Tours

Herculaneum is a rare find for visitors and day trippers who would like to behold the rich cultural heritage, art and architecture of a bygone era. Herculaneum guided tours let you experience the ghost town in its well-preserved legacy. This little known and less frequented site is located somewhere between the popular tourist spots of Pompeii and Naples.

The preservation of many organically built wooden objects, murals, frescoes, skeletons, and other items because of the pyroclastic surge caused by Mout Vesuvius, which has allowed us to get a better understanding of how people lived in the early Roman empire. It would be a tremendous folly to overlook this ancient marvel, while it exists so close to major Italian tourist destinations, especially when you can book your Herculaneum tickets so easily.

Keep reading to find everything you need to know about Herculaneum tours!

Advantages of a Herculaneum Guided Tour

Take a look at the benefits of going on a Herculaneum guided tour:

Skip the line entry to Herculaneum, and enter at the time slot chosen

While Herculaneum is less crowded with tourists, it is still fast becoming a bustling attraction, especially for history lovers. With a Herculaneum tour, you can avoid queuing up and waiting for your turn. Instead, you can just skip the line and go right ahead with your explorations of the park. This not only saves precious time, but is also really helpful in maintaining appropriate Covid safety procedures. You can choose any date and time when buying the Herculaneum ticket and plan your trip accordingly. Now, that makes for a truly worry free adventure.

An expert archeologist who takes you through the Herculaneum Archeological Park

What’s better than a knowledgeable tour guide? You can get the answer to this question when you reach the park, only to find yourself under the expert guidance of a competent archaeologist to tell you all there is to know about this historic town. Stroll by the impressive basilica, the expansive spa complex, the luxurious houses, and more. Learn rare tidbits about this region with evident Samnite, Greek, Etruscan influences, and a prominent Roman presence from your assigned archaeologist-cum-guide in English or Italian.

An Audio guide with 5 different languages and 63 listening points

With the help of the official audio guide, explore one of the best-preserved archaeological sites on the planet. Discover the mysteries of the ancient settlement that time and Mt. Vesuvius' volcanic rocks and ash concealed. The official audio guide will choose the best routes to fully explore and enjoy the place. Listen to the interesting guide with 63 listening points to better appreciate the history of this place in 150 minutes. The audio guide's fascinating descriptive storytelling, which is available in 5 different languages, makes for a great option if you have got time on your hands.

A 360° virtual tour and sneak a peek into the daily life of elite Ancient Romans

Listen to the official audio guide to Herculaneum Archeological Park to truly understand and fall under its enchantment. Herculaneum is considered one of the best-preserved ancient sites on earth and is replete with intriguing historical factoids. Utilize the easy-to-use touch screen to access 360 ° virtual tours. The audio guide uses precise historical geo-localization technology, which helps you learn about the old city before Vesuvius erupted in 79 CE and travel back in time to the olden days of this once prosperous city.

Herculaneum Ruins Guided Tours

The Best Herculaneum Guided Tours

Guided tours, combo guided tours.

Herculaneum Ruins Guided Tours

Visiting The Ruins Of Herculaneum, Italy

Choosing the best herculaneum guided tour.

Confused about which Herculaneum tour might be the best choice for your travel needs? Read along to find out the highlights and the important aspects of each tour option listed below before buying your Herculaneum tickets.

1 Self-guided Audio Tour

Enjoy your trip to Herculaneum Archaeological Park at your own pace with the self-guided tour. The tour includes entrance tickets, along with an engrossing audio guide available in 5 languages. Get an immersive experience with the easily accessible 360° virtual tours. The official audio guide lets you learn about the ancient region’s rich past. There’s also a narrative storytelling session, especially for children, so even young curious minds remain entertained.

Herculaneum Ruins Guided Tours

2 Guided tour with an Archaeologist

Embark on an unforgettable expedition to the past as you venture into the ancient village of Herculaneum, which offers a panoramic view of the Gulf of Naples. Save yourself some time with this Herculaneum ticket, which lets you skip the line and start your tour right away. What’s more, you get to learn about the captivating history of the area from an expert archaeologist for 2 hours.

Herculaneum Ruins Guided Tours

Herculaneum Tours Deconstructed - A Typical Guided Tour Experience

Herculaneum Ruins Guided Tours

The ruins of Herculaneum, once a thriving seaside town situated within Mount Vesuvius's disastrous range, provide tourists with a singular experience. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is home to priceless archaeological finds, like the ancient spas and palatial residences that offer a snapshot of its ancient grandeur.

The Central Baths

Take a look around the thermal baths which were very popular back in the day. Built around the turn of the first century CE, the Central Baths at Herculaneum were organised into separate men's and women's facilities, as was customary, each with its own arrangement of changing rooms (apodyterium), warm rooms (tepidarium), and hot rooms (caldarium). The women's bathroom boasts a floor mosaic of geometric shapes, while the men's bathroom has a mosaic of dolphins. Numerous pieces of art adorned this centre of Roman culture, and they can be seen throughout the Central Thermae site.

Casa dello Scheletro - Skeleton's house

Experience the relatively humble Casa dello Scheletro has 5 different types of mosaic flooring, including one located at the entryway with white arrows to help you find your way around the building with its beautiful blue frescoes. Only the faded wall mosaics with mythological themes remain from the originals; the rest are currently housed in Naples' Museo Archeologico Nazionale. The moniker House of the Skeleton comes from the 1831 discovery of skeletal remains in a room on the second floor, assumed to have died during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE.

Casa dell' Albergo

Your guided tour will take you to The House of the Inn or Casa dell Albergo, which is situated in a stunning seaside setting in Insula III. The house was initially discovered in 1852 and was constructed during the Augustan era. It was once thought to be an inn due to its size and the existence of its own private baths, but it is now thought to be a private residence, although a quite opulent one. It is believed to have been converted for commercial use after the earthquake in 62 CE.

Casa dei Cervi - Deers' House

Make your way toward the Casa dei Cervi or Deer’s House, another luxury two-story waterfront mansion with a courtyard in the middle. It used to feature a sizable garden with marble tables and statues of deer that are now well-preserved in the on-site museum. You will also find the marble chips and lovely mosaic designs on the floor quite an amazing sight to witness. Don’t miss the frescoed walls.

Herculaneum Ruins Guided Tours

Samnite House

Wander around the Samnite House, which is among the town's earliest aristocratic residences, to have been uncovered in the Herculaneum. The home boasts lavish stucco and fresco decorations as well as an exquisite atrium that is surrounded by a gallery and small rooms. The building is distinguished by the traditional columns and pillars from that time.

Villa dei Papyri - Scrolls' Villa

A visit to the luxurious Villa dei Papyri is one you absolutely mustn’t miss in your Herculaneum tour. This expansive and magnificent villa on the seashore is home to the well-known Herculaneum scrolls, which were named for the extraordinary library of papyri (scrolls). Its superb architecture and rare pieces of art, including paintings, bronze and marble statues, etc., are spread across four terraces. An outstanding sight to behold, both for its historical significance and the Instagram-worthy pictures, Scroll’s Villa promises to be memorable.

House of the Neptune and Amphitrite Mosaic

Witness some of the most impressive and well-preserved mosaics and wall paintings in the city in the House of Neptune and Amphitrite. The erstwhile owner made the most of a fairly compact area to turn it into a spectacular showcase of a wealthy Roman town residence. Named after the Roman sea god and the Greek sea goddess, it boasts one of the most exquisite mosaic glass walls. A glass mosaic is also present on the wall next to it, and marble masks are shown above. It has a garden room in place of the peristyle, which gives it a distinctive touch.

Are Herculaneum Tours Really Worth it?

Simply put, yes. A Herculaneum guided tour is indeed worth your while and money. Choosing a Herculaneum tour offers you the opportunity to explore the archaeological park at your leisure. Take in the famous historical ruins of this coastal resort town that give you an insight into the rich tradition and culture of the ancient Roman empire at your convenience. From the House of Scrolls to the thermal baths, from the House of Neptune to the boathouses, these tours allow you to glimpse into their lives, both the good times and the bad.

Related Read: Why Should You Visit The Herculaneum Ruins?

Herculaneum Practical Information

Opening hours.

The Herculaneum Archaeological Park remains open every day of the week, though both timings may vary, depending on the season. The park will remain open from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM, from April 1 to October 31, with the last visitors being granted entry at 6:00 PM From 1 November to 31 March, the park’s opening hours are from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and the last entrance is at 3.30 PM. Herculaneum is closed on 25th December, 1st January and 1st May.

Getting to Pitti Palace

  • By Bus: Bus 5 will take you to Plinio, which is a 5-minute walk from Herculaneum. You can also take the bus route 176, E41.
  • By Train: If you are visiting from Rome, you can take the train from the Termini station which will take you 2 to 3 hours depending on the speed. Transfer in Naples.
  • By Car: You can rent a cab or a car to go to the Herculaneum. Take the Ercolano exit on the A3 autostrada.

Insider Tips

Here are some useful tips you should consider when visiting the Herculaneum:

  • On the first Sunday of every month, admission is free. So if you choose to visit on that day, make sure you have plenty of buffer time to adjust for crowds.
  • Infants under the age of three go free. Reduced ticket prices are available for children ages 4 to 11 and students ages 12 to 17.
  • Carry valid photo IDs to redeem your tickets and especially if you want to avail of discounted tickets.
  • Take a refillable bottle of water along to avoid dehydration and you can keep refilling it from the water fountains at the park. Carry snacks to avoid shelling out on expensive meals in the restaurants in and around Herculaneum.
  • Consider purchasing a Campania Artecard if you're a teacher or student as it grants free or discounted entry to numerous museums and archaeological sites in and around Naples and Campania. Also included in the three-day pass is free public transportation.
  • Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes as the tour involves a lot of walking.
  • Wear smart casuals. If you are visiting in the summer, remember your sunscreen and sunglasses.
  • Follow Covid safety protocols, sanitisers are available on request.
  • The best time to take the Herculaneum tour is early morning or late evening.
  • Carry earphones for the audio guide if you are using Android phones.

Will the prices change for a larger/smaller private group for Herculaneum?

You can choose to book a private tour of the Herculaneum Archaeological Park for a fixed rate that accommodates up to 8 people per tour.

What time do Herculaneum guided tours start?

Herculaneum guided tours are flexible. You can select a time of your choosing when booking your tickets. However, please remember that opening hours will differ according to the season/month and choose a date/time accordingly. From April 1 to October 31, the site remains open from 9 AM to 7.30 PM, with the last entry at 6 PM. Opening hours are 8.30 AM to 5 PM, last visitors can enter at 3.30 PM.

Can I book a private tour just for myself at Herculaneum?

Yes, you can book a private tour just for yourself and/or your party at the Herculaneum.

Which is the best Herculaneum tour for budget travellers?

If you are travelling on a budget, you can book the Herculaneum Entrance Ticket and Audioguide tour, which is priced at €28.

When do the Herculaneum guided tours stay closed for visitors?

The Herculaneum guided tours remain closed on 25th December, 1st January and 1st May. The last entrance for the months of April to October is 6 PM, while during the winter months of November to March, tourists can enter the site 1 and a half hours before the park closes, i.e., 3.30 PM. Keep in mind that tickets to Herculaneum guided tours can be bought whilst availability lasts. So, book your tickets now for a hassle-free travelling experience.

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My closest mundane mates would describe me as a coffee junkie with momentary bouts of creative highs and mediocre lows. I firmly believe that life isn't picture-perfect but dogs are:) I've always had this insatiable desire for a visual representation of the life around me, it was an intrinsic part, an inbuilt function without which survival would be unimaginable. Have a lovely day ahead folks!

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  • How to visit Pomp...

How to visit Pompeii and Herculaneum

How much time is needed? Should we stay at lodging close by Pompeii so we can walk? Does Herculaneum need one day to see? Should we hire a guide at both places? Thank you

Pompeii is a gigantic archaeological site that can be 'sampled' on a 4-hour brisk walk or on a full-day visit (9 to 6 with breaks). It is good to take a map at the visitor center and somehow plan your time (whatever that might be) before you just start walking, as some of the most famous sights are quite apart from each other.

Herculaneum is much smaller and can be visited well in three hours.

Guides are not needed at either place, audio-guides are very good and helpful, though. Large groups could make the visiting experience worse than going solo.

Both sites are easily accessible ty EVA suburban trains. This gives you flexibility to say in other nearby towns that most would consider more enticing, such as Vico Equense, Sorrento; or you could stay in Napoli itself (just some 35 away by train).

The town of Pompeii itself looks a bit rundown, and its hotels look very dated from pics and site reviews. Please, note there are three entrances to Pompeii archeological sites.

Pompei city is not the most attractive overnight location - at least not in my long-ago memory of staying in a cheap campground near the gates, though better accommodation than that is certainly available.

Rick likes Sorrento as a home base with a good mix of public transport in multiple directions, if you're staying a few days and also want to visit Amalfi and/or Capri, for instance. From Sorrento, the Circumvesuviana train take 30 minutes to Pompeii and slightly further to Herculaneum. Sorrento offers pleasant strolling and lots of tourist services.

Most tourists don't spend a whole day at either Pompeii or Herculaneum. But if your feet don't give out, you could either spend a whole day exploring all the nooks and crannies of Pompeii, or you could visit both sites with a break for lunch. Consider Rick's free, downloadable audio tour for Pompeii

Almost no one stays in or by Pompeii to see the ancient site. Note that there is a modern city called Pompeii that sits on unexcavated parts of the ancient city. You need to distinguish between signs for (and train tickets to) "Pompeii Scavi" (i.e. excavation) and "Pompeii". For example, the long-distance trains to Salerno stop at three stops named Pompeii, but none of them is closer than a mile to the ancient city.

The vast majority of visitors come for the day from either Naples or Sorrento, using the Circumvesuviana (a gritty, hot, crowded local commuter rail service that originates at the same station where the long-distance trains come into Naples.) Probably the next largest group visit Pompeii as part of a daytime travel day, with 2 to 4 hours at the ancient site. All three entrances have reliable luggage storage. For those using car-and-driver transportation, the driver holds their luggage, but of course there is a charge or allowance for his waiting time. Some people come from Salerno, and take a cab, or hike in the heat from the Trenitalia station.

Note that a 5-site, 3-day ticket is sold that includes 3 more, much smaller ancient sites. A traveling museum exhibit just a few years ago covered objects from Villa Oplontis, one of them. Only one admission to each site is included. You cannot re-enter any site after you exit. Pompeii is the only one that has food service inside the site, which is the most likely re-entry issue. Herculaneum is a steep 15-minute walk downhill from the Circumvesuviana station. Pompeii is right across the street from the Circumvesuviana station.

You can never know which individual "villas" or other tiny parts of these sites may happen to be closed for conservation or other reasons. There's plenty to see at each place, so unless you are working on your own PhD. thesis about certain villas, it wouldn't be a big problem.

Many of the frescoes and sculptures in Pompeii have been removed to the museum in Naples, and replaced with replicas.

We stayed in Sorrento and used the Circumvesuviana train. I didn’t find it all that bad to use except once when it was very crowded. Don’t worry about it being “ gritty” because it’s not all that bad. The worse part is that it can be crowded and frequented by pickpockets. There is another train that runs less frequently called the Campania (?) I think. It’s nicer, and we did take it once during our stay. We took a Walks of Italy tour in Pompeii and it was wonderful. We did a late afternoon tour and were the only two on the tour. Please do some form of tour, either audio or with a guide. You will get so much more out of the site! I’ve not made it yet to Herculaneum.

I would schedule at least 3 hours for Pompeii. You can do more if you have the time.

What is the rest of your itinerary? It's hard to advise without those details, but Herculaneum does not take all day like I consider Pompeii to, being smaller. Knowing nothing else about your plans, I'd say stay in Naples, but if you are planning on incorporating the Amalfi Coast, let us know.

Thank you for your informative replies. Although, the replies ranged from 3 hours to all day at Pompeii. Are there places to rest if we get tired....since we are not allowed re-entry. I am traveling with a history buff who will want to stay more than 3 hours and 2 others that don't want to walk that much. We are driving from Val d'orcia --south of Sienna --It is 4 to 5 hours to the sites. We will need to stay overnight somewhere. I will take advice from the replies and not stay near Pompeii. I am still leaning towards hiring a private guide for the 4 of us. I know some of you advised against that but I thought that if we found a well recommended guide and divided the cost by 4, it would be worth it for at least 2+ hours of the visit. Again, thank you for your help.

There's a cafeteria in Pompeii, but I wouldn't want to spend hours just hanging around. There are spots where you can just sit for a while - like the theatre. Since you'll have a car, maybe find a place to stay in Pompeii for the night and let your archaeology buff stay as long as s/he wants and take a taxi to the hotel. Both sights have audio guides that are interesting.

Count me as one of those people that prefer a real guide to an audio guide. A good guide will bring the pile of rubble to life. I tend to find the audio guides a bit dry.

Hey, it is a HUGE piece of new information that you are driving five hours before spending every moment until dusk closing time at Pompeii. You need to give some more itinerary details to get the best advice. When I said not to stay in modern Pompeii I was assuming you planned to visit Naples or Sorrento or Amalfi Coast or, even, Paestum.

It is questionable whether anyone should drive five hours the morning before they visit Pompeii (in what month?) But (and you have NOT stated where you marathon drive on the next day!) if you have no plans to visit Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast or Naples, you could reasonably stay in modern Pompeii.

Note that this also was not an inquiry about a one day-runout to Pompeii from a hotel in Rome. That is yet another (regrettable) special case. There are always special cases. It is particularly important, now, to know if your archaeologist is going to insist on going to all five "Pompeii ticket" sites, or whether he will (quite properly) insist on seeing the remote and distant Paestum temples. All this affects advice about sleeping near Pompeii.

Who knows what the hotels are like now, but 20 years ago in June we did indeed stay in a very, very basic hotel that was in the city of Pompei within close walking distance of one gate to the ruins of Pompeii.

We drove from Orvieto after lunch, stayed the night at the Pompei hotel, entered the ruins when the gate opened the next morning, spent most of the day until it got too hot and crowded, spent another night at that hotel, saw Herculaneum first thing the next morning (well worth it!), and then drove to where the ferry goes to Sicily. This was with my 75-year-old mother and our 8-year-old son.

Would we do this same trip now? No. But it seemed just fine at the time. If people really want to see Pompeii, like we did, it's an option.

Find out what the nearby hotels are like these days --- sometimes you have to stay in less than charming places, such as airport hotels.

Since you are driving, figure getting there noon or just after, I would plan at the minimum two nights, maybe three. With a car, you have more flexibility for a hotel, however both Naples and the Amalfi coast are not car friendly, Sorrento would work. I would verify that any hotel also has private parking. You did not mention the Arch. Museum in Naples, if going to both Pompeii and Herculaneum interests you, then do not miss the museum...all the good stuff went there. Each demands at least a half day, Pompeii could take more, but to be honest, after four hours, you burn out a bit, especially if it is hot and you are taking in Herculaneum as well.

Is re-entry not allowed? It was a few years ago when we came across an entry/exit area that was, I believe, near the Villa of Mysteries. The guards manning the turnstiles/gate said we could exit and re-enter; there were a few restaurants very close by to choose from for a lunch break. We were astounded by Pompeii and spent the entire day....something we hadn’t expected. I count it as one of the most fascinating places I have ever visited, and we also visited Herculaneum. Safe travels.

Denny, certainly our experience in 2014 was NO Re-Entry. But I will agree that the gate by the Villa of the Mysteries is an ... outlier ... . It's not always properly staffed and may not always be open. But the ability to re-enter there should not represent a new rule! We made our final exit there, simply to save the tedious Roman Road walking all the way back to Porta Marina. We also got to see a motel or two on the (modern) road outside the Scavi. But we walked right to the Scavi/Villa Mistiri (ironical typeface) Circumvesuviana stop.

I know this sounds peculiar. But I will specifically confirm that in 2014 I ASKED the turnstile guard/aide (who punched my ticket because the electronic scan was broken? To cancel the word Pompeii on the ticket?) at the Porta Marina entrance, and she made it extremely clear that re-entry was not allowed. I was told the same thing (that week) at Herculaneum. And we had, in fact, the 3-day, 5-site tickets that might ... (but did not) convey Executive Tour status!

We stayed in Sorrento and used the Circumvesuviana train. I didn’t find it all that bad to use except once when it was very crowded. Don’t worry about it being “ gritty” because it’s not all that bad.

We too stayed in Sorrento and explored Pompeii and Herculaneum from there (Pompeii being a lot longer day). I found the Circumvesviana train to be uncomfortable and dirty, not particularly gritty however my mum, when she travelled with my dad, was faced by a young man masturbating in front of her, an experience she would probably describe as somewhat stronger than gritty!

Pina Esposito is one of Rick's recommended guides for Pompei and Hercolano. She was fantastic for me and my wife. The time was much better spent. She picked us up at our hotel in Naples at 8 am, drove to Ercolano, Pompeii, and another recently renovated farmhouse; had lunch, and were back by 5 pm. I find almost all the audio guides at the museums in italy to be poorly translated, somewhat slow, and just not good.

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Perspectives Womens History

Museums without men : edmonia lewis.

Read the complete audio stop transcript

Katy Hessel and Lisa E. Farrington

Two marble busts of Native American figures, Minnehaha and Hiawatha.

These two sculptures of Native American figures, Minnehaha and Hiawatha, are chiseled with incredible skill and restraint by the Black and Native American sculptor, Edmonia Lewis.

A talented artist and savvy businesswoman, Lewis rose to prominence after the Civil War. Despite consistent backlash from the wealthy white elites of the art world, she achieved great success.

Listen to the conversation, or read the full transcript below.

LISA E. FARRINGTON: We’re looking at two marble busts about half life sized by Edmonia Lewis, who was an African and Native American sculptor thriving in the second half of the nineteenth century.

KATY HESSEL: That’s art historian Lisa Farrington. These two sculptures of Native American figures—Minnehaha and Hiawatha—are chiseled with incredible skill and restraint. When Edmonia Lewis was working just after the Civil War, the wealthy white elites of the art world did not believe that she was capable of creating such work as a woman of color.

Two marble busts of Native American figures, Minnehaha and Hiawatha.

Left: Edmonia Lewis (American, 1844–1907). Hiawatha , 1868. Marble, 13 3/4 x 7 3/4 x 5 1/2 in. (34.9 x 19.7 x 14 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Morris K. Jesup and Friends of the American Wing Funds, 2015 (2015.287.1). Right: Edmonia Lewis (American, 1844–1907). Minnehaha , 1868. Marble, 11 5/8 x 7 1/4 x 4 7/8 in. (29.5 x 18.4 x 12.4 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Morris K. Jesup and Friends of the American Wing Funds, 2015 (2015.287.2)

FARRINGTON: People questioned Edmonia Lewis’s ability to be a neoclassical sculptor working in heavy hard stone like marble

And so she had to show people that it was she who was sculpting.

She’d hammer and chisel everything, often in front of audiences, to prove that she was not a hoax.

HESSEL: White Americans came into her studio in Rome to watch her as she worked, and they became enamored with her marble sculptures, purchased them, and exhibited them back in America.

FARRINGTON: And I’m speechless really when I think about how she was able to succeed. Sculpting in marble is not cheap. The marble cost a small fortune and she had issues with debts that she had to pay and so she couldn’t just be a sculptor. She had to be a serious businesswoman.

I wish that she had written something about her thought processes, because how does one do that in that age?

HESSEL: Unfortunately, her success didn’t last long. It’s only within the last fifty years that works like these incredible busts in The Met have gained more attention. Art historian Lisa Farrington has a fascinating story of how Edmonia Lewis’s work became more well known.

FARRINGTON: Her Cleopatra , 1876, larger-than-life-size marble sculpture, was rediscovered. At the time, in the 1870s. It was purchased by a wealthy man—one of his horse’s names was Cleopatra. And he purchased Cleopatra from Edmonia Lewis as a headstone for his horse’s grave. Now, literally a hundred years go by and things happen. The gravesite is abandoned. There’s this sculpture sitting there for a hundred years that nobody ever moved because it, you know, it weighs tons.

And a fire marshal coming to inspect the area found it and he saw at the very bottom it said E. Lewis Roma and he galvanized a few people to clean it up and eventually the Smithsonian got involved and realized what it was—that it was this sculpture by Edmonia Lewis that had been waiting for a hundred years to be rediscovered.

After that, her popularity shot through the roof. All of a sudden she’s showing up in all of the textbooks. The recovery of that sculpture was in the national press. So there you go. She’ll never be forgotten again, at least no time soon.

HESSEL: Listen on to hear more incredible stories about women artists at The Met.

This audio tour is one in a series of tours called  Museums Without Men  produced by Katy Hessel in collaboration with institutions across the globe, such as the Fine Arts Museum San Francisco, the Hepworth Wakefield, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and Tate Britain. The series encourages museum visitors to seek out work by great women and gender non-conforming artists in these institutions who, simply by virtue of their gender, were often overlooked and underrepresented.

About the contributors

Headshot of Katy Hessel

Katy Hessel

Art historian, author, and curator

Lisa E. Farrington

Art Historian

Katy Hessel stands in the sunlit Greek and Roman galleries at The Met Museum.

Museums Without Men at The Met with Katy Hessel

Detail of Mary Cassatt’s painting of a young mother sewing with a child resting on her lap; the room has a vase of vibrant flowers and a bay of windows overlooking a green wooded area.

Museums Without Men : Mary Cassatt

Detail of Leonora Carrington’s self-portrait of her sporting white jodhpurs and a wild mane of hair; she’s perched on the edge of a chair with her hand outstretched toward the prancing hyena and her back to two horses: a tailless white rocking horse flying behind her and a galloping white horse visible in a curtained window.

Museums Without Men : Leonora Carrington

audio tour of herculaneum

Behind the Scenes

audio tour of herculaneum

For Families

audio tour of herculaneum

From the Archives

audio tour of herculaneum

In Circulation

audio tour of herculaneum

Notes from Museum Leadership

audio tour of herculaneum

Religion and Spirituality

audio tour of herculaneum

Social Change

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Taylor Swift's Singapore leg spurs bad blood in SE Asia. Neighbors can't shake it off

Sherisse Pham

audio tour of herculaneum

Taylor Swift performs during her Eras Tour at the National Stadium on March 2 in Singapore. Ashok Kumar/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Mana hide caption

Taylor Swift performs during her Eras Tour at the National Stadium on March 2 in Singapore.

HONG KONG — Pop star Taylor Swift is in Singapore this week, performing six sold-out shows in the city state. But the concerts — and what the government did to secure them — have sparked some bad blood between Singapore and neighboring Southeast Asian countries and territories.

Singapore this week confirmed it negotiated a deal with Swift's concert promoters, paying an undisclosed sum of money to ensure that Singapore was her only stop in the region.

Rumors of the exclusive deal had sparked outcry among Southeast Asian neighbors, with a Philippine lawmaker demanding an explanation, Thailand's prime minister claiming Singapore paid millions of dollars per concert for the deal, and Hong Kong's chief executive insisting his city was still an attractive destination for mega events.

Singapore's prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong, defended the exclusive deal at a press conference on Tuesday.

"A deal was reached. And so it has turned out to be a very successful arrangement. I don't see that as being unfriendly," he said at an Asian summit in Melbourne.

Lee added that an "incentive" had been paid for the deal. The Singapore Tourism Board declined to comment on the amount, citing business confidentiality. AEG Presents, Swift's concert promoter, did not respond to a request for comment.

Following Lee's remarks, Philippine lawmaker Joey Salceda told a local newspaper that Singapore was operating by "the law of the jungle" and not the law of a "neighborhood of countries bound by supposed principles of solidarity and consensus."

Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines typically enjoy smooth diplomatic relations. They are all members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN , a regional economic and security bloc.

Underneath the heated rhetoric is a growing industry worth billions of dollars. Event tourism — like Swift's concerts — brings in a lot of money for cities. Research firm Business Markets Insights expects the Asia Pacific events market to grow to nearly 550 billion dollars by 2028.

audio tour of herculaneum

Fans of singer Taylor Swift take pictures next to an installation in the "Eras Tour Trail" that depicts different eras of the pop star's career, at the Marina Bay Sands complex in Singapore, on Feb. 28. More than 300,000 Swifties from Singapore and neighboring countries will attend the U.S. superstar's six sold-out Eras Tour shows at the National Stadium from March 2-9. Roslan Rahman/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Fans of singer Taylor Swift take pictures next to an installation in the "Eras Tour Trail" that depicts different eras of the pop star's career, at the Marina Bay Sands complex in Singapore, on Feb. 28. More than 300,000 Swifties from Singapore and neighboring countries will attend the U.S. superstar's six sold-out Eras Tour shows at the National Stadium from March 2-9.

"Event tourism is a key trend," said Erica Tay, an economist in Singapore with Malaysia-based Malayan Banking Berhad, or Maybank.

Younger travelers crave experiences, more than stuff, and are more likely to travel to a city to attend a concert or watch a sporting event, she said. "By hosting Taylor Swift and other A-list acts, I think Singapore is building its credentials to be an event tourism hub," she added.

Tay estimates Swift's concerts will bring in $370 million in tourism receipts to the country

in a little over a week, while the pop star is in town.

When nearby cities see the multimillion dollar boost they are missing out on, it prompts some soul searching.

Last month, Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, was asked by reporters about Singapore's efforts to get Swift, and whether Hong Kong is being ambitious enough when it comes to securing mega events.

"We know we'll be competing with different cities. And we'll ensure we're attractive enough and competitive enough," he said.

Until that happens, Hong Kong is losing out on fans spending big bucks to see performers like Coldplay , Ed Sheeran and now Taylor Swift — top acts that skipped Hong Kong, but played in Singapore.

Husband and wife Haseeb Khan and Audie Wibowo paid about $450 each for their Swift tickets, plus another $300 each for flights from Hong Kong. They plan to stay with family in Singapore.

audio tour of herculaneum

Taylor Swift fans, known as a Swifties, take photos as they arrive for the first of the pop star's six sold-out Eras Tour concerts at the National Stadium in Singapore on March 2. Roslan Rahman/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Taylor Swift fans, known as a Swifties, take photos as they arrive for the first of the pop star's six sold-out Eras Tour concerts at the National Stadium in Singapore on March 2.

"I think it's totally worth it," said Khan. "It's Taylor Swift, it's like a once-in-a-generation tour."

Wibowo, a self-described long-time Swiftie, said she has never traveled so far for a music concert before, but was determined to go to one of Swift's Singapore shows.

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"Even if my family wasn't there, my friends weren't there, if we didn't have anything in Singapore to go to, we would still go," she said.

It was a similar story for 13-year-old Anoushka and her mom Neha Malik. Malik used loyalty points for their flights from Hong Kong to Singapore, to offset the steep price they paid of about $750 per ticket.

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"It is a big splurge, but it's kind of like birthday, Christmas, everything rolled into one," she said. "Better to have one big memory which will last forever."

Getting nearby Swifties to fly in and splurge on her concerts is exactly what Singapore officials wanted.

Beyond an economic boost, there's also the reputational lift Swift's presence brings.

"Her endorsement of Singapore, you know, will really put the country on the map for hundreds of millions of her fans," said Tay, the economist.

"It's hard to put a value on it, but I think it's really positive."

  • Southeast Asia
  • Taylor Swift

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