“Archaeology in the Making”
The Herculaneum Archaeological Park is participating in the 2026 European Days of Archaeology (EEA) with a rich program, an initiative promoted at the European level by INRAP – Institut national de recherches archéologiques préventives – under the aegis of the French Ministry of Culture and with the patronage of the Council of Europe, coordinated in Italy by the Central Institute for Archaeology (ICA).
The 2026 edition is dedicated to the theme “Archeologia in corso / Archaeology in the Making,” which focuses on the research process, opening up to the public the sites and practices of archaeological work: construction sites, laboratories, warehouses, and archives. True to this spirit, the Ercolano Archaeological Park offers three days of meetings, educational activities, and outreach that combine scientific rigor with community outreach.
«The European Archaeological Days represent a valuable opportunity to share with the public not only the results of research, but also the daily work that enables the understanding and protection of archaeological heritage. This year’s theme, “Archaeology in Progress,” fully embodies the mission of the Herculaneum Archaeological Park: to open construction sites, laboratories, and research sites, demonstrating how the past continues to speak through new discoveries and new research methodologies. From activities at Villa Sora to special visits to the thermal baths, to initiatives dedicated to the “From Eggs to Apples” exhibition, we have developed a program that focuses on participation, knowledge, and dialogue with the community, making visitors protagonists in the process of discovering cultural heritage. declares Federica Colaiacomo, Director of the Archaeological Park of Herculaneum.
THE BATHS OF HERCULANEUM: GUIDED TOURS OF THE PARK
In keeping with the GEA program, the Park’s proposed visits will be concentrated on Saturday, June 13th, and Sunday, June 14th. During these two days, the Herculaneum Archaeological Park will offer the public a guided tour of the ancient city’s thermal baths.
9:30–10:30 AM and 11:30–12:30 PM | June 13 and 14, 2026 | Herculaneum Archaeological Park
The tour takes visitors on a discovery of Herculaneum’s main thermal baths: the Central Baths, the Casa dell’Albergo Baths, and the Suburban Baths. The Casa dell’Albergo Baths, the only private thermal bath complex in Herculaneum, attached to one of the city’s largest residences, will be exceptionally open to the public. An equally exclusive opportunity will be a visit to the restoration site of the Suburban Baths, the best-preserved Roman bath building in the world, a testament to the architectural sophistication and high level of technology achieved in ancient Herculaneum. Tours will take place at 9:30 am for two Italian-speaking groups, and at 11:30 am for two English-speaking groups. Each group consists of a maximum of 15 people. The tour lasts approximately one hour. The activity is free, with prior purchase of a regular Park entrance ticket. Reservations are required online or by calling +39 081 0106490. Meet at the Park Visitor Centre.
Reservations: https://www.coopculture.it/it/prodotti/gli-edifici-termali-di-ercolano-visite-in-occasione-delle-gea-2026/
THREE DAYS OF ACTIVITIES AT THE PARK AND AT THE EXHIBITION “FROM EGGS TO APPLES. THE CIVILIZATION OF FOOD AND THE PLEASURES OF THE TABLE IN HERCULANEUM”
During the three days of the GEA—Friday, June 12th, Saturday, June 13th, and Sunday, June 14th—the Ercolano Archaeological Park, in collaboration with Coopculture, is offering a program of free activities related to the exhibition “From Eggs to Apples: The Civilization of Food and the Pleasures of the Table in Ancient Ercolano,” hosted at Villa Campolieto until June 14, 2026.
Cibus – Thematic itinerary on food
10:00 AM | June 12, 13, 14 | Herculaneum Archaeological Park + Villa Campolieto
A thematic tour dedicated to the food of ancient Herculaneum, including thermopolia, workshops, and culinae. The experience continues with a visit to the exhibition, which explores the history of taste and food culture in Roman times through organic finds and remarkably preserved monuments. Free with admission to the Park + exhibition. Duration: 150 minutes + 60 minutes. Book at https://www.coopculture.it/it/prodotti/cibus-in-occasione-delle-gea-2026/
Panem et Condimenta – Animated reading
3:00 PM | June 12, 13, and 14 | Villa Campolieto
A dramatized journey through the flavors, customs, and curiosities of the ancient world, guided by passages from Cato, Varro, Columella, Pliny, and Galen. From humble farro soups to refined banquets with oriental spices, the story reveals how food was art, medicine, and an instrument of power. Free with exhibition ticket. Duration: 90 minutes. Reservations at https://www.coopculture.it/it/poi/parco-archeologico-di-ercolano/
The Perfect Dish – Family Workshop Visit
5:00 PM | June 12, 13, and 14 | Villa Campolieto
Participants become aspiring nutritionists of antiquity: after visiting the exhibition, they will create their own “perfect dish” by combining Roman food shapes, learning the basics of nutrition through ancient knowledge. Younger children will have the opportunity to create the shapes in the workshop. Free with exhibition admission. Duration: 90 minutes.
Reservations: https://www.coopculture.it/it/prodotti/il-piatto-perfetto-visita-in-occasione-delle-gea-2026/