The underground pathway of the Ancient Theater of the Herculaneum Archaeological Park reopens to the public

From Wednesday, May 15, 2024, the underground route of the Ancient Theater of the Herculaneum Archaeological Park will reopen to the public. Visitors will then have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the history of the ancient city, turning into real explorers with helmets, capes and flashlights. Bi-weekly appointments for tourists will be organized in groups of twelve on Wednesdays and Saturdays until November 9, with six shifts available, with a break in July and August.

It will be a journey through time through the eighteenth-century tunnels, accompanied by Park staff, as part of the enhancement project that includes opening the underground tour route to the public and actions to include the Via Mare neighborhood.

“The cyclical reopening of the theater,” said Park Director Francesco Sirano, “represents for the entire Vesuvian area the possibility of a journey into history, it is from here that everything started, from when the theater was accidentally discovered and the investigations that led to the discovery of Herculaneum and Pompeii were started. An experience to be recommended to every visitor who is passionate about culture and history with an exciting journey that transports us back through the centuries and makes us protagonists of a discovery that is renewed each time before our astonished eyes. But the theater is also located in the heart of the historic center of Herculaneum and can easily become a stop to discover the other beauties and points of interest of the modern city, starting with the famous and colorful Pugliano market and the Virtual Archaeological Museum, and a few hundred meters away the Villa Campolieto and the Royal Palace of Portici.”

Tours will take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. (English-language shifts at 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.). Tickets can be purchased online at www.ercolano.coopculture.it and directly at the Park’s ticket office.

For more info: www.ercolano.beniculturali.it

Tickets: admission Ancient Theater of Herculaneum 5 euros; integrated admission Archaeological Park of Herculaneum + Ancient Theater of Herculaneum 15 euros; reduced price is provided only for the theater-only ticket of 2 euros for children aged 18-25.

Information for visiting the ancient theater

The route is underground and reaches about 25 meters from street level.
The visit is for adults only.
Appointment is at the Archaeological Park ticket office 30 minutes before the start of one’s turn to visit.
The pavement is wet in several places and is slippery due to the presence of limestone sedimentations and water. In addition, the route includes many steps. Therefore, it is not suitable for claustrophobic people and people with walking problems or pregnant people, i.e., those with illnesses that can be influenced by the visiting environment.
For safety reasons, visitors are asked to carry only small bags.
Helmets, hair cap, capes and flashlights will be provided by the Herculaneum Archaeological Park for use on the route.
The use of closed, low, durable and waterproof shoes is mandatory. The use of hiking shoes is preferred.
It is recommended in summer periods to have comfortable sweaters or jackets, to be worn before the visit, given the considerable temperature change to be faced during the route

The underground pathway of the Ancient Theater of the Herculaneum Archaeological Park reopens to the public

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