Tickets available online, two viewings per evening.
Summer evenings in Herculaneum continue to come alive with light, music, and ancient words. The “I Venerdì di Ercolano” (Herculaneum Fridays) series—now in its ninth edition—continues to enjoy growing success and is garnering a particularly warm reception from the public this year. The next event is set for Friday, July 24, when the Archaeological Park will once again transform into an open-air stage amidst the ruins of the ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an unmissable opportunity to experience an evening unlike any other, wandering the illuminated streets of a city that is two thousand years old yet defies its age.
The evening slot chosen for the event—from 8:00 PM to midnight—offers visitors the most pleasant time of day for an outdoor stroll: the warm light of sunset and the suspended atmosphere of the Herculaneum domus, artfully illuminated for the occasion, create a scene that is more than a visit, it’s an experience to be enjoyed with all the senses.
The underlying theme of the 2026 edition, Love and War, runs through seven site-specific performances spread across the archaeological site’s various spaces. Audiences will be able to move freely along an illuminated path, encountering the performances one after the other, each repeated cyclically throughout the evening: a free and immersive experience, perfect for those who wish to discover archaeology in a new light.
“The public’s response to this ninth edition of the ‘Herculaneum Fridays’ is filling us with satisfaction. With this series of events, the Park renews its commitment to transforming its archaeological heritage into a living space, open to dialogue with the forms of expression of the present day. The ancient city becomes a meeting point where memory and creativity converge.”
— Federica Colaiacomo, Director of the Archaeological Park of Herculaneum
The opening evenings of the series drew capacity crowds and received a very positive response, confirming “I Venerdì di Ercolano” as one of the most beloved events of the summer in Campania.
The next dates
Following the excellent reception of the initial evenings, the series will continue on Fridays, July 24 and 31, and August 7, 2026, with an additional special date on Saturday, September 26, 2026, to mark the European Heritage Days.
Practical information and tickets
Hours: From 8:00 PM to midnight, in two seatings (8:00 PM–9:30 PM and 10:00 PM–11:30 PM)
Entrances at Corso Resina 187 and Via dei Papiri Ercolanesi 19
Full-price ticket €10.00
Reduced-price ticket €5.00 (EU citizens aged 18 to under 26)
Free for minors, people with disabilities, and their companions (reservation required)
Buy online at ercolano.coopculture.it or call center +39 081 0106490 (lun–sab 9:00–17:00, excluding public holidays)
Tips: Comfortable flat shoes and insect repellent—to make the most of your evening outdoors.
An evening in Herculaneum, amidst the soft lights of the ancient domus and the sounds of live music, is the best way to rediscover the charm of the city buried by Vesuvius in a completely new light. Tickets are available online; advance reservations are recommended, given the limited availability for each session.
For further information on the programme and booking methods: ercolano.coopculture.it — +39 081 0106490.
Photo: ANNA ABET.
