Why You Shouldn't Skip Herculaneum When Visiting Pompeii: How to See Both
- samgorton9
- Mar 6
- 4 min read
When travellers plan a trip to Italy, Pompeii often sits high on their list of must-see destinations. The ancient city, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, is a fascinating glimpse into Roman life. But if you only visit Pompeii and skip Herculaneum, you’re making a big mistake. Here’s why Herculaneum deserves just as much—if not more—of your attention and how the tour guide we booked maximised our experience at both locations.
Why Herculaneum is a Must
A Different Perspective on the Vesuvius Eruption
Both Pompeii and Herculaneum were buried by the same volcanic catastrophe, but the way they were preserved differs significantly. While Pompeii was covered in a thick layer of ash and pumice, Herculaneum was buried under a fast-moving pyroclastic surge of mud and volcanic material. This difference in burial conditions led to exceptional preservation of organic materials, including wood, textiles, and even food remains. As a result, Herculaneum offers a unique, almost eerie sense of stepping back in time, as if the people had just walked away moments before disaster struck.
Better Preservation Means More Detail
One of the biggest advantages of Herculaneum over Pompeii is its state of preservation. Because it was buried deeper and under different conditions, entire buildings remain intact, complete with wooden doors, staircases, and even second stories. Frescoes and mosaics retain their vibrant colours, and everyday objects like furniture and household goods are still in place, giving you a much clearer idea of what life was like in a Roman town.
A More Manageable and Intimate Experience
Pompeii is vast and can be overwhelming, both in size and in crowds. The site spans over 160 acres, and navigating it can be exhausting, especially in the heat. Herculaneum, on the other hand, is much smaller—only about 20 acres have been excavated—making it easier to explore in detail without feeling rushed. Fewer tourists venture to Herculaneum, so you can wander through its streets and homes in relative peace, allowing for a more immersive experience.
The Tragic Human Element
Though Pompeii’s plaster casts of victims are famous, Herculaneum presents its own heart breaking glimpse into the past. At the ancient shoreline, excavations have revealed the remains of around 300 people who perished while trying to escape by boat. Unlike the casts in Pompeii, these skeletal remains (while recreated) appear hauntingly real, preserved in positions that speak of their final moments. It’s a powerful reminder of the human cost of the eruption.
We visited Italy in mid-February, which meant there were barely any crowds but we still had beautiful sunshine. It was an incredible experience to wander through the streets of Herculaneum when it was just us and our guide!
How We Saw Both Cities
When visiting a site as vast and historically rich as Pompeii, having a guide isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. At 160 acres, with ongoing excavations still uncovering new areas, navigating Pompeii’s intricate streets and truly appreciating its history on your own can be overwhelming. That’s why we decided to invest in a private tour with an archaeologist who has worked directly on excavations in both Pompeii and Herculaneum. And let me tell you—it was 100% worth it.
Our guide, Benedetto, was not only incredibly knowledgeable but also hilarious, making the tour both engaging and educational. With years of hands-on experience in archaeology, he brought a depth of understanding that went far beyond the usual historical facts. He explained excavation techniques, historical contexts, and details about the daily lives of ancient Romans, making the ruins come alive in a way we never could have imagined.
One of the biggest advantages of a private tour was the opportunity for deeper discussions. Unlike group tours, where you often feel rushed and questions go unanswered, Benedetto encouraged interactive conversations. We got to ask about the latest archaeological discoveries, ongoing restoration efforts, and even the small details of daily life in these ancient cities. This kind of engagement made the experience feel personal, immersive, and incredibly enriching.
Benedetto also went above and beyond in helping us with logistics. He arranged a taxi to take us from Pompeii to Herculaneum, but he was also happy to guide us through the process of taking the Circumvesuviana train if we preferred. That kind of flexibility made our day smoother and stress-free.
Walking through the streets of Pompeii and Herculaneum is a humbling experience. It’s one thing to read about these cities in books, but standing there, surrounded by history, makes you realize just how fleeting life is. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and if you have the chance to visit, investing in a private archaeologist-guided tour is the best way to make the most of it. These cities have so much to offer, and with the right guide, you’ll step back in time almost 2,000 years and see them in a way most visitors never do.
If this sounds right for you, book your tour here
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