Location: Ercolano
Top Things to do in Ercolano
What to do and see in Ercolano, Italy: The Best Places and Tips
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. Ruins of Herculaneum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Life as it existed in this ancient Greek settlement (5th century B.C.) was frozen in time when rivers of hot mud flowed down its streets from an eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D.
Reviewed By JRD32 - Cambridge
We were advised that we should opt to visit Herculaneum rather than Pompeii - in the event we managed to visit both. While I was blown away by Pompeii, Herculaneum was a real disappointment. It wasn't helped by the excruciating long wait at the ticket office where the scowling woman at the desk took about five minutes with each person buying tickets, and the scowling rude woman on the audio guide desk who was really put out by being interrupted during a private telephone conversation!!
There was no video overview, as there was in Pompeii, even though they have a video building it was closed. We couldn't see the boat/prow as that building was shut and roped off. Two major villas are also closed long term to the public. So actually, this place closes things at whim and there is nothing to help you get to grips with the site and the site looked in need of TLC compared to Pompeii. The bodies at the beach, as so much else false, is a plastic replacement.Cannot recommend.
2. Colle Sant'Alfonso
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By burkino77 - Burgess Hill, United Kingdom
Probably highest point of Torre del Grecco therefore , great views over bay of Naples. Very difficult to find even with our sat nav.
3. Santuario di San Ciro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By Cirinho69 - Reggio Emilia, Italy
Situato nella centralissima Piazza S.Ciro,la basilica è il centro del culto cittadino.Non è grandissima ma vale la pena visitarla.E' stata ristrutturata da pochi anni ed ha una facciata di stile bizantino.
4. Museo Cappella San Severo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Built in the late 1500s, this gem of Italian artistic heritage was greatly influenced by the famous Raimondo de Sangro VII, Prince of San Severo, a genius of science and invention.
Reviewed By LostALot22 - Lombard, Illinois
This place was like a mason's hall or something similar. The commissioned a bunch of artwork. it is some of the best that I have seen. The Jesus statue in marble is actually amazing. And the one on the wall with the fisherman is possibly more amazing. No pictures are allowed but it is awesome. And it's small so it won't talk you long.
5. Scavi Archeologici di Ercolano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By BUCEPHALES - CUMBRIA,ENGLAND
By far the most fascinating site available to see by the public. Not as big as Pompeii or as over bearing. Better preservation of plaster work and even timber still in situ. Do not miss it.
6. Basilica di Santa Croce
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By lesy882 - Ostuni, Italy
Take a walk round the port town of Torre del Greco. Quite steep in places, but an insight into the history of the area. Magnificent palaces, some in good repair, some not, but worth the effort. Good shopping, too, but closed round lunch-time till late afternoon, so get up early. The Churches close too. Look out for the Cameo workshops - amazing work.
We loved the coffee in and around Naples.
7. Orto Botanico della Facolta di Agraria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By sostrow - Newton, Massachusetts
short of time, we had only a gentle stroll from "down" to "up" in this promising-looking botanical garden: we vow next visit: more time, closer looking, decent visit to the historic Reggia (original royal palace & gathering place for earliest finds from Herculaneum)
8. Casa di Nettuno e Anfitrite
Overall Ratings
5 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By 777jmb - Cambridge, Massachusetts
Of all the murals and mosaics in Herculaneum and Pompeii this vivid room does more to justify a notion of "preservation" than any other. In the setting of Herculaneum, minus the crush of people trying to digest acres of Pompeii in their allotted two-hours, this vivid, colorful and evocative room feels like receiving an invitation from a host whose invite was sent out a long, long time ago.
9. Porto di Torre del Greco
Overall Ratings
4 based on 136 reviews
Reviewed By Julian P - Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
My wife and I stayed in Torre Del Greco for a week and although we had some excellent views from our hotel, this review is about the city itself. Unfortunately we found it to be neglected and dirty in many parts. It is clear that the problems with the Italian economy have really hit hard here. Many shops and businesses are closed and several of the traffic lights had stopped working but not been repaired. This made it even more hazardous to drive in the city. We were told by locals that many of the people who lived here have been forced to move north in order to find work and this has contributed considerably to the decline of Torre Del Greco.
It is very convenient for exploring the Amalfi coast and Naples but don't come here to enjoy the architecture or surroundings.
10. Il Real Sito di Portici
Overall Ratings
4 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By Chris24804766 - Fareham, Hampshire
We walked along from our hotel and came across this place by accident. I asked the gate guard whether we could look over the Gardens and he told us to go inside the building. Not really knowing what to expect, we were astounded upon entry at the state of the wall and ceiling paintings - they were beautiful!
Apparently, this is a museum / university building dedicated to agriculture. Walking around, we were literally the only people around. There were no staff either.
All in all, not exactly a tourist attraction, but certainly worth a look at the decoration for a few minutes.
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