The Herculaneum Archaeological Park stands as a pivotal cultural and touristic hub of immense significance, not only due to the extraordinary preservation of the ancient Roman city remains but also for its dynamic role in the socio-economic development of the region.
Through cultural initiatives, events, and collaborations with local and international institutions, the Park attracts thousands of visitors annually, significantly contributing to the local economy. Furthermore, enhancement and restoration projects, often funded by European and national grants, create job opportunities and promote professional training in the cultural heritage sector.
One of the primary objectives of the Institute is to strengthen the bond with the modern city and its inhabitants. Indeed, the Park, in collaboration with the Packard Humanities Institute, promotes community engagement initiatives and urban regeneration projects in synergy with third-sector organizations and other cultural institutions in the area. These efforts animate public spaces and foster local involvement.
All these factors render the Herculaneum Archaeological Park not merely a place of historical memory but also a catalyst for growth and innovation within the surrounding community.
The approval in 2023 of the Buffer Zone for UNESCO Site 829 “Archaeological Areas of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Torre Annunziata,” which also includes parts of the neighboring municipalities of Portici, Torre del Greco, and Torre Annunziata, will allow for even more decisive action among institutions, entities, and local administrations. This initiative aims to promote sustainable development of the territory while fully respecting the site’s Outstanding Universal Value (OUV).
Thus, ancient Herculaneum is not an isolated island in the sea of the past but part of a living landscape with many layers of history, culture, lives, and human personalities, with which the Park constantly interacts.