Choosing Between the Best Ancient Ruins of Italy
Italy is filled with fascinating archaeological ruins all around the country. The most distinguished are the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, within the province of Naples. Back in 79 AD, the nearby Volcano Mount Vesuvius erupted and left the nearby cities in shambles. Thousands of years later, these cities were excavated, and it’s ancient ruins placed on display for tourists to embrace. Both Pompeii and Herculaneum (Ercolano) are an easy day trip from Naples. But which should you visit if your time is limited? Here’s my review of Pompeii and Ercolano so you can decide which historical site is worth your time.
Pompeii
Pompeii is the larger of the two sites, with an enormous area that’s easy to get lost in. Seeing the primary attractions may take up to 2 hours. Although exploring the entire city may take the entire day. I highly recommend getting a tour guide, since they can offer extra insight into the history and will take you to the major landmarks. Tickets are a bit pricey, but definitely worth it. You can book a tour guide when you get to the ticket gate or online in advance.
Pompeii Highlights
With a vast quantity of ancient ruins to experience, make sure to stop by the most important artifacts. There is a small and large Amphitheatre which seated 20,000 people! There are also many vantage points where you can get a clear view of Mount Vesuvius. Enjoy the plethora of former shops, bathhouses, and large estates as you wander around the premises. You can also walk though a brothel, and the massive public square with temples dedicated to various gods. There are a few preserved plaster bodies of the ancient citizens which give an eerie look into their final moments.
Pros:
- Gargantuan Archeological site to explore
- So many interesting and amazing artifacts to witness
- 2 amphitheaters to climb up
- Clear views of Mount Vesuvius
- Some plaster molds of the victims
- A restaurant inside the main plaza of the ruins
- Enormous houses and saunas
Cons:
- Easy to get lost, a lot of walking
- Not much shade, gets pretty hot during the summertime
- Large crowds almost everywhere
- Tickets are a bit pricey
Herculaneum Highlights
Also referred to as Ercolano, it is a much smaller archaeological site than its neighbor Pompeii. Much of Ercolano is still being dug up by archaeologists. Regardless, there is still plenty of artifacts to behold at this forgotten city. It’s just a short train ride away from Naples too. Entrance prices are pretty cheap, and they offer audio guides as well as human tours. Expect to spend 1 to 4 hours exploring depending on how much you wish to discover. The buildings here are much more preserved, and you can see the artistic tiles that decorated the houses. The mosaics retain much of their original color as well. There aren’t any plaster molds, but there is a macabre room with skeletons of the victims near the bottom.
Pros:
- Intricate art designs still intact
- Better preserved architecture
- Lots of shade and spots to rest
- Not crowded
- Interesting rooms with skeletons
- Cheaper entrance
- Easier to experience and see more of city
Cons:
- Smaller, less to see than Pompeii
- No plaster bodies
- Much of the site is yet to be excavated
Final Verdict:
The final decision ultimately depends on what your travel preferences are. While I would recommend seeing both, (maybe not the same day since it is exhausting) Herculaneum is the one to see if you are short on time. With the more intimate setting, you can see more and get a better sense of an ancient Roman’s life. The scale of Pompeii is definitely impressive, but I would have been completely overwhelmed without a tour guide. Both ancient ruins offer unique insight into the past. A bonus if you have extra time; Hiking Mount Vesuvius! Despite my bad luck with hiking volcanoes, they say it offers unbeatable views and can be done in just a few hours. I can’t say too much about Naples, but the pizza there is absolutely incredible. If it’s your first time visiting Italy, I recommend checking out all the essential tips you’ll need for a smooth trip. Stay tuned for even more adventures thru Italia! Keep Leveling up!
Here’s my travel vlog so you can visualize being in Pompeii and Ercolano for yourself. Enjoy!
