2,790 visitors over the August Feast of the assumption holiday weekend: once again the public chooses the ancient city for its holidays, while the Park prepares for Gli Ozi di Ercole (10-12 September)
Even during the holiday, the Herculaneum Archaeological Park confirmed its position as one of the most popular destinations of the Campania summer: a total of 2,790 visitors chose to spend part of their holiday among the domus of the ancient city over the August bank holiday weekend (1,294 on Saturday 15 August, 1,496 on Sunday 16 August).
This figure confirms, once again, how visitors choose to dedicate their vacation days to discovering ancient Herculaneum despite the intense heat of recent days, rewarding a site that continues to stand out for the quality and richness of its cultural offerings, even in the heart of summer.
Seeing so many visitors choosing Ercolano during the holiday, despite the intense heat, is an important sign for us: it means that the archaeological heritage continues to be perceived as a vibrant place, capable of offering beauty and cultural refreshment even in the height of summer. Now we’re already looking forward to the next event, Gli Ozi di Ercole, which in early September will bring a new way to experience the Park, with entertainment and evening charm.
— Federica Colaiacomo, Director of the Archaeological Park of Herculaneum
The Park is preparing for the Leisure of Hercules
While summer continues with daytime visits and large crowds, the Herculaneum Archaeological Park is already looking ahead to its next major event: from September 10th to 12th, “Gli Ozi di Ercole” returns, a 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’s title and underlying theme is Love and War, a connection 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. Three evenings, from 8:00 PM to midnight, will feature conversations, staged readings, and concerts, with guests including Lucia Mascino, Laura Pepe, Ambrogio Sparagna and Raffaello Simeoni, Carmen Gallo, Isabella Ragonese, Silvia Romani, Carlo Boccadoro, Gennaro Carillo, Federica Fracassi, and Francesco Di Bella.
Dates, times and tickets
Three evening openings, on September 10, 11, and 12, 2026, from 8:00 PM to midnight, with entrances from Corso Resina 187 and Via dei Papiri Ercolanesi 19. Access to each evening is allowed to a maximum of 400 people.
Tickets available on Gli Ozi di Ercole | Amore e guerra | CoopCulture — Full price €10.00, reduced price €5.00 for 18-25 year olds, personal season ticket for all three evenings €15.00. Free for minors, disabled visitors and one accompanying person, and season ticket holders for the Herculaneum Archaeological Park, upon reservation online.