Location: Ercolano
Top Things to do in Ercolano
What to do and see in Ercolano, Campania: The Best Architectural Buildings
Ercolano [erkoˈlaːno] is a town and comune in the Metropolitan City of Naples, Campania of Southern Italy. It lies at the western foot of Mount Vesuvius, on the Bay of Naples, just southeast of the city of Naples. The medieval town of Resina - read Resìna - was built on the volcanic material left by the eruption of Vesuvius (79 CE) that destroyed the ancient city of Herculaneum, from which the present name is derived. Ercolano is a resort and the starting point for excursions to the excavations of Herculaneum and for the ascent of Vesuvius by bus. The town also manufactures leather goods, buttons, glass, and the wine known as Lacryma Christi (Tears of Christ).
Restaurants in Ercolano
1. Casa di Nettuno e Anfitrite
2. Villa Campolieto
3. Casa del Rilievo di Telefo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By macedonboy - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Casa del Rilievo di Telefo is one of the largest buildings in the Herculaneum and thought to have belonged to the Roman senator, Marco Nonio Balbo. The lobby of the building is lined by colonnades on either side with Tuscan style columns. The house gets its name from the reliefs depicting the Greek myth of Telephus. The marble reliefs are displayed in-situ, but are fragmentary. The size of the house, level of restoration and reliefs makes it one of the best buildings to see.
4. Casa del Bel Cortile
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By macedonboy - Glasgow, United Kingdom
The Casa del Bel Cortile is one of the best preserved houses in Herculaneum and named for the well Bel Cortile or in English, beautiful courtyard. I wouldn’t go as far as saying it’s beautiful, but the courtyard and house are certainly well preserved. So well preserved that the interiors and structure of the rooms are largely intact. Large sections of red fresco are preserved on the walls, but it's not really that interesting as it’s mostly plain or simple geometric patterns. In contrast, the marble (I thinking( floor is also beautifully preserved in the inner courtyard.
5. La Terrazza di M. Nonio Balbo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By macedonboy - Glasgow, United Kingdom
This part of Herculaneum is the Terrace of Marcus Nonius Balbus, named in honour of the eponymous Roman senator who was a supporter of the future Augustus, Octavian. The terrace is a viewpoint of the town below and is lined with sculptures, including at least one of the senator. It’s a good viewpoint and one where you can get a panoramic of the town.
6. College of the Augustales
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By tomj932 - London, United Kingdom
The College of the Augustales - dedicated to the Roman Emporer Augustus who was the first to be worshipped as a god is a must whilst in Herculaneum. In the main hall along with the well preserved charred remains of the original wooden features are frescoes depicting Hercules along with other gods! Be sure to check it out!
7. House of the Grand Portal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By macedonboy - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Casa del Gran Portale is the house of the Grand Portal, so called because of the entrance portal that is decorated with Corinthian columns. The columns are actually half columns made of bricks and more with capitals adorned with sculptures of Victoria, equivalent to the Greek goddess Nike, and the personification of victory. It’s possible to go into the house where you’ll see several rooms opening onto the vestibule and a small courtyard. Many of the rooms are decorated with frescoes depicting gardens, scenes of Dionysian, satyrs and other nature themes. This is one of the houses that is worth visiting.
8. Casa Sannitica
9. House of the Skeleton
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By wendyanddavid536 - Solihull, United Kingdom
So called because a skeleton was found in the house in 1831 (now long since gone). There are several beautiful frescoes and mosaics in this house, particularly in the nymphaeum, and some original ironwork in the roof.
