Overview

A visit to Pompeii will allow you to learn about the life of the ancient Romans, their luxurious villas, artisan workshops, the frescoes on the city walls and much more.

Compared to the archaeological excavations of Pompeii, those of Herculaneum present fewer human remains (a sign that a large part of the local population had time to take refuge elsewhere) but instead contain a great variety of buildings, statues and objects whose state of conservation is incredibly good.

Description

Pass By: Vesuvius National Park, Via Palazzo del Principe, Ottaviano 80044

Vesuvius is a particularly interesting volcano due to its history and the frequency of its eruptions. It is an explosive volcano, whose last eruption took place in 1944. Since this date no more eruptions have occurred, and Vesuvius is considered quiescent.

Stop At: Pompeii Archaeological Park, Porta Marina (via Villa dei Misteri), Pompeii 80045

Pompeii with its archaeological excavations is not simply the symbol of a city surprised by the eruption of Vesuvius, but above all the history and legend of a place that has inspired artistic works, films, music, books and more. According to Goethe “of all the catastrophes that have struck the world, none has brought so much joy to future generations”. There are seven films all entitled The Last Days of Pompeii with international productions, the last of which, Pompeii, from 2014 directed by Paul W. S. Anderson. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, after visiting the excavations, composed the opera The Magic Flute, original title Die Zauberflöte, while Pink Floyd, who filmed the musical documentary Live at Pompeii there, released in cinemas in 1974, performed in the ancient Roman amphitheater.

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Stop At: Bosco de Medici Winery, Via Antonio Segni 41, Pompeii 80045

The winery is located in the center of modern Pompeii, a few meters from the archaeological excavations of the ancient Roman city. Some remains of a necropolis are even visible from the educational vineyards surrounding the structure. The grapes are vinified using steel tanks, oak tonneaus and terracotta amphorae. The latter, produced in Tuscany, are not internally coated and are used in the vinification of part of the company's white wines.
Near the cellar there is an area dedicated to food and wine tastings and catering, to allow visitors who are wine enthusiasts to try the wines after visiting the area dedicated to production.

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Stop At: Parco Acheologico di Ercolano, Corso Resina, 187, Ercolano 80056

The city of Herculaneum, called Resina until 1969, according to legend was founded in 1243 BC. from Hercules, the mythical Greek hero, as is the Greek origin of this city which rises on the slopes of Vesuvius.

Most accredited hypotheses testify that the city was founded by the Etruscans and, in the 5th century. B.C. it was conquered by the Samnites. Then, in 90 BC. it was conquered by the Romans and reduced to a "municipium" by Silla. In the last age of the Republic, Herculaneum experienced a period of great splendor, because many patricians, attracted by the fortunate geographical position, the healthy air and the safety of the ports, built their villas in these places.

In the same period the walls were restored, the aqueduct, two thermal plants, the theatre, the "Basilica", the Gymnasium and many temples were built. Due to the earthquake of 62 BC.

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes