A May packed with events at the Herculaneum Archaeological Park: the final installment of “Food Places,” openings for Labor Day and Sunday at the Museum, and new themed tours dedicated to the myth of Hercules for families and children. A program designed for a variety of audiences, confirming the Park’s role as a vibrant and accessible cultural hub in the heart of the Vesuvian area.
May 1st – Last appointment with “Food Places in Ercolano”
Themed tour | Last event of the season
May 1st concludes with the final event in the series of themed tours “Food Places in Herculaneum,” a journey dedicated to the civilization of food and the pleasures of the table in the Roman world. From the thermopolium to the domus, from the oven to the Ancient Beach to the Boat Pavilion, the tour explores eating habits, trade, bread making, fishing, and the findings of the most recent anthropological research on the site.
Practical information
Date: May 1, 2026
Shifts: 10:00–11:00 (visit in Italian) – 11:30–12:30 (visit in English)
Groups: max 25 people per shift
Cost: Free activity with ordinary entrance ticket to the site
Reservations: www.coopculture.it/it/prodotti/i-luoghi-del-cibo-a-ercolano/
Visit the related exhibition at Villa Campolieto
We recommend purchasing the combined Park + Exhibition ticket to include the exhibition “From Eggs to Apples. The Civilization of Food and the Pleasures of the Table in Herculaneum,” held at Villa Campolieto (Corso Resina 283), just a few meters from the Park.
May 1st – Labor Day: The Park is open as usual
On Labor Day, the Herculaneum Archaeological Park will observe its usual opening hours. Admission is subject to standard rates.
Opening hours: 8:30 am – 7:30 pm (last admission 6:00 pm)
Entrance fee: standard rates (reductions and free admission according to regulations)
Informazioni:
May 3 – #domenicalmuseo: Free admission to the Park and Villa Sora
The ministerial initiative #domenicalmuseo returns on Sunday, May 3rd: all state-run sites are open to visitors free of charge for the entire day. The Herculaneum Archaeological Park will participate in the initiative, offering free admission to all visitors.
Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026
Opening hours: 8:30 am – 7:30 pm (last admission 6:00 pm)
Entrance: free for all
Info: ercolano.cultura.gov.it
For #domenicalmuseo, Villa Sora in Torre del Greco will also be open free of charge, offering a chance to discover and promote a site of significant historical and cultural interest in the area, part of a series of heritage promotion initiatives. The Vesuvian Archaeological Group, from 10.30 am to 12.45 pm, will welcome enthusiasts and curious people with a free guided tour, accompanying them to discover the still-preserved rooms of the villa.
Reservations: 379 2196736 – archeotorre@gmail.com
May 8th and 15th – “Hercules in the City” – Themed visit for families
Mythological itinerary for children and families
With the arrival of May, “Hercules in the City” debuts, a thematic itinerary dedicated to the myth of the hero through frescoes, public buildings, and tales of his famous labors. The itinerary is designed especially for children and families, with an engaging narrative approach that makes archaeology accessible and exciting even for the youngest visitors.
Practical information
Dates: May 8 and May 15, 2026
Shifts: 10:00–11:00 (visit in Italian) – 11:30–12:30 (visit in English)
Groups: max 25 people per shift
Cost: Free activity with ordinary entrance ticket to the site
Reservations: http://www.coopculture.it/it/prodotti/ercole-in-citta/