2026 Edition · Love and War: Between Myth, Poetry, and Philosophy
Archaeological Park of Herculaneum · 10, 11 and 12 September 2026 · 8.00 pm
“Gli Ozi di Ercole” (The Leisures of Hercules) returns to the Herculaneum Archaeological Park, a summer series of lectures, theatrical readings, and concerts that for three evenings transforms the Ancient Beach into an open-air stage, among the ruins unearthed by the eruption of 79 AD.
The 2026 edition—scheduled for September 10, 11, and 12—has as its title and underlying theme the pairing of love and war: a bond that runs through all of classical culture, from Plato to Thucydides, from Lucretius to Freud, and whose title also recalls Woody Allen’s famous film. A journey through poetry and philosophy, in an ongoing dialogue between ancient and modern, where each conversation finds its counterpoint in a staged reading and each evening concludes with music, ranging from folk and classical sounds to rock and jazz, without hierarchies.
THE PROGRAM
SEPTEMBER 10
In the fray. Between love and war.
Lucia Mascino / Laura Pepe
Songs of love and war
Ambrogio Sparagna / Raffaello Simeoni in concert
SEPTEMBER 11
Furious. On the madness of love
Carmen Gallo / Isabella Ragonese / Silvia Romani
The Baker and the Astronomer. The Two Lives of Johann Sebastian Bach
Conversation with Carlo Boccadoro
SEPTEMBER 12
Kisses and bites. If love tears you apart
Gennaro Carillo / Federica Fracassi
Holy water
Francesco Di Bella in concer
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Dates and times
Three evening openings, on September 10, 11, and 12, 2026. The Archaeological Park will be open to the public from 8:00 PM to midnight, with entrances from Corso Resina 187 and Via dei Papiri Ercolanesi 19. Access to each evening is limited to a maximum of 400 people.
TICKETS available online Gli Ozi di Ercole | Amore e guerra | CoopCulture
- Full price: €10.00
- Reduced price for 18-25 year olds including EU citizens: €5.00
- Personal season ticket for the entire festival: €15.00 (valid for entry to the evenings from 10th to 12th September)
- Free for minors, disabled people and one accompanying person, and holders of a season ticket to the Herculaneum Archaeological Park (purchasable online at ercolano.coopculture.it or at the Park ticket office), subject to reservation at ercolano.coopculture.it.
The ticket office is active online and on site until the start time of the event and until all available seats are available.
Useful tips
- The use of low, comfortable shoes is recommended.
- It is recommended to protect your skin with insect repellent for greater comfort during evening performances.
Parking
- Free parking, subject to availability, at the “Giulio Rodinò” Comprehensive Institute 1 (Via IV Novembre, 43) and at the “Iovino Scotellaro” Comprehensive Institute (Traversa I Via IV Novembre, 28).
- Paid parking is available at the “Herculaneum Parking” municipal car park on Via dei Papiri Ercolanesi.
