When people travel to Pompeii, they often overlook its equally fascinating neighboring sites. The charm lies not just in Pompeii but also in Herculaneum, Oplontis, and Stabiae. These places collectively offer a comprehensive glimpse into ancient Roman life, adding depth to any journey. For those planning a day trip to Pompeii from Rome, it’s worth considering extending the trip to include these lesser-known historical treasures. Each of these sites provides unique insights and, in ways, outshines more famous ruins.
Herculaneum: The Well-Preserved Neighbor
Herculaneum, another victim of the cataclysmic eruption in 79 AD, offers a different narrative from Pompeii. The preservation here is extraordinary, as the volcanic material that buried Herculaneum solidified into a much denser, less porous layer than that which covered Pompeii. This process effectively sealed and protected many buildings, artifacts, and even organic materials such as wood and food.
Visiting Herculaneum feels like stepping into a living town rather than ruins. The homes are exceptionally well-preserved, with intact second stories and even wooden elements like doors and shelves. The House of the Bicentenary, for example, showcases vivid frescoes and mosaics, giving visitors a direct look into the artistic sophistication of ancient Roman culture. Public baths, adorned with marble and intricate decorations, and the gymnasium, with its spacious courtyard, reflect the leisurely lifestyle enjoyed by Herculaneum’s inhabitants.
What makes Herculaneum incredibly fascinating is the small-scale feel, making it easier to envision day-to-day life. The town was home to a wealthier population than Pompeii, which is reflected in the opulence and grandeur of the villas. Walk through the Decumanus Maximus, the main street, and you’ll encounter perfectly-preserved architectural marvels. The small Harbor, despite being an ancient site, still conjures images of bustling trade and the livelihood of its ancient populace.
As you uncover the secrets of Herculaneum, you’ll realize it adds an essential piece to the complex puzzle of Roman urban life that Pompeii alone cannot provide.
How to Get There from Pompeii
📍Corso Resina, 187, 80056 Ercolano NA
Visitors can take the Circumvesuviana train line from Pompeii to Ercolano Scavi station, a journey of around 20 minutes. From the station, it is a short walk to the archaeological site.
Opening Hours
From Monday to Sunday
- From March 16th to October 14th: From 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM (last entry at 6:00 PM; the archaeological area must be vacated by 7:00 PM)
- From October 15th to March 15th: From 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 3:30 PM; the archaeological area must be vacated by 4:40 PM)
The site will be open for free on the first Sunday of each month.
Where to Buy Tickets Online
Tickets can be purchased online through the page https://www.coopculture.it/en/products/regular-entrance-ticket-for-the-archaeological-park-of-herculaneum/ of the Archaeological Park of Herculaneum.
Cost of the Ticket
The entrance fee for Herculaneum is €13 for adults. Reduced-price tickets are available for EU citizens aged 18-25, while children under 18 enter for free.
Oplontis: A Glimpse into Roman Luxury
Just a stone’s throw from Herculaneum lies the grand villa of Oplontis. Known as Villa Poppaea, it was an opulent retreat believed to be owned by Nero’s wife, Poppaea Sabina. Unlike the relatively confined urban context of Herculaneum or Pompeii, Oplontis was a sprawling countryside estate, radiating luxury and sophistication.
The villa is renowned for its extensive and lavish decorations, including beautifully preserved frescoes that illustrate a variety of scenes – from mythological narratives to garden landscapes. The striking frescoes in the “Room of Mysteries” reveal an enigmatic and almost surreal quality, reflecting both artistic mastery and the private life of its affluent occupants. The gardens, reconstructed by archaeologists, offer a glimpse into the leisure activities that defined elite Roman life.
Oplontis also features a massive swimming pool, a representation of the luxurious and leisurely lifestyle of ancient Roman elites. Surrounded by columns and adorned with elaborate decorations, the pool area was a central feature for recreation and social gatherings. Additionally, the storage rooms, where archaeologists found numerous amphorae, highlight the villa’s role in agricultural production and trade, linking the rural estate to the larger economic framework of the Roman world.
Walking through the grand halls and gazing at the intricately detailed frescoes, visitors can practically hear the whispers of the past. The sense of seclusion and privacy that Oplontis offers, compared to the bustling urban life of Pompeii and Herculaneum, provides a unique perspective on the variety of lifestyles within the Roman Empire. This juxtaposition enriches a day trip to the region, illustrating the multifaceted nature of ancient Roman culture and society.
How to Get There from Pompeii
📍Via Sepolcri, 80058 Torre Annunziata NA
You can reach Oplontis by taking the Circumvesuviana train line from Pompeii to Torre Annunziata Oplonti station, a trip of about ten minutes. The archaeological site is a short walk from the station.
Shuttle Service: From Pompeii to the Roman villas of Boscoreale, Oplontis and Stabiae – The service is free of charge for visitors to the Park
Opening Hours
- From 1st April to 31st October – Opening: 9:00 AM, Last entrance: 6:00 PM, Closing: 7:00 PM;
- From 1st November to 31st March – Opening: 9:00 AM, Last entrance: 4:00 PM, Closing: 5:00 PM;
- Closed on Tuesdays.
Where to Buy Tickets Online
Visitors can purchase tickets online from the https://www.ticketone.it/en/artist/scavi-pompei/
Notes: For those holding a Pompeii express ticket, additional access to the Suburban Villas route (Ville dei Misteri, Villa di Diomede, Villa Regina, and the Antiquarium in Boscoreale) is available by purchasing a supplementary ticket for €8 – card payment only – at the Herculaneum Gate (Street of the Tombs entrance). Please note that the Suburban Villas route is not sold separately. Access is granted either by purchasing the Pompeii+ ticket (€22) or by augmenting the Pompeii Express ticket (€18) with the additional €8 ticket, available at the designated entrance.
Cost of the Ticket
The entrance fee for Oplontis is €8 for adults.
- Pompeii Plus (€ 23.00): Grants access to the Ancient city of Pompeii, including the suburban villas: Villa of the Mysteries, Villa of Diomedes, and Villa Regina in Boscoreale along with the Antiquarium.
- Pompeii 3 Days (€ 27.00): A three-day pass allowing one-time entry to each of the following sites: Pompeii Plus, Oplontis, Villa Arianna, Villa San Marco, and the Libero D’Orsi Museum.
Stabiae: Elegance on the Bay of Naples
Stabiae, recognized for its magnificent villas, serves as yet another testament to the opulence enjoyed by the Roman upper class. Unlike Pompeii and Herculaneum, which were bustling towns, Stabiae was more of a designated resort area. Discovered in the eighteenth century, this archaeological site includes several luxurious villas set in a beautiful, panoramic location overlooking the Bay of Naples. Excavations have revealed Villa San Marco and Villa Arianna, among other structures, which depict the grandeur that epitomized this elite getaway.
Villa San Marco is splendorous, featuring large courtyards, extensive gardens, and private baths. The elegant frescoes and stucco decorations adorning its walls are some of the finest examples of Roman art. Walking through the villa, one can imagine the serene and comfortable life enjoyed by its ancient occupants. Similarly, the Villa Arianna is known for its elaborate mosaic flooring and wall frescoes, showcasing Roman artistry and luxury.
Stabiae’s villas were centers for relaxation and socialization far removed from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The location’s appeal is accentuated by its panoramic views and temperate climate, offering a serene backdrop ideal for rejuvenation. This residential complex is particularly notable for the absence of much commercial or day-to-day functional infrastructure, suggesting that Stabiae was essentially a cluster of pleasure palaces.
The thermal baths, perfectly preserved, offer a window into the indulgent lifestyle of the Roman elite, emphasizing the importance of relaxation and social activities. With their highly decorated ceilings and grand pools, these baths depict a level of luxury and comfort that truly stands out. The overall layout of Stabiae’s villas, with their expansive gardens and views of the bay, emphasizes the integration of nature and architecture – a key element in Roman villa design.
Exploring Stabiae broadens our understanding of how the Roman elite spent their leisure time. It’s a vivid illustration of their penchant for pleasure and comfort, contrasting sharply with the more urban-focused Pompeii and the modest yet closer Herculaneum. Together with the opulent Oplontis, Stabiae highlights the varying degrees of luxury that were accessible to the wealthy, adding yet another complex layer to the rich tapestry of Roman life.
How to Get There from Pompeii
📍Passeggiata Archeologica, 80053 Castellammare di Stabia NA
To visit Stabiae, travelers can take the Circumvesuviana train from Pompeii to Via Nocera station, then board a local bus toward Castellammare di Stabia. The journey, including the transfer, takes roughly 30 minutes.
Shuttle Service: From Pompeii to the Roman villas of Boscoreale, Oplontis and Stabiae – The service is free of charge for visitors to the Park
Opening Hours
- From 1st April to 31st October – Opening: 9:00 AM, Last entrance: 6:00 PM, Closing: 7:00 PM;
- From 1st November to 31st March – Opening: 9:00 AM, Last entrance: 4:00 PM, Closing: 5:00 PM;
- Closed on Tuesdays.
Where to Buy Tickets Online
Visitors can purchase tickets online from the https://www.ticketone.it/en/artist/scavi-pompei/
Notes: For those holding a Pompeii express ticket, additional access to the Suburban Villas route (Ville dei Misteri, Villa di Diomede, Villa Regina, and the Antiquarium in Boscoreale) is available by purchasing a supplementary ticket for €8 – card payment only – at the Herculaneum Gate (Street of the Tombs entrance). Please note that the Suburban Villas route is not sold separately. Access is granted either by purchasing the Pompeii+ ticket (€22) or by augmenting the Pompeii Express ticket (€18) with the additional €8 ticket, available at the designated entrance.
Cost of the Ticket
The entrance fee for Oplontis is €8 for adults.
- Pompeii Plus (€ 23.00): Grants access to the Ancient city of Pompeii, including the suburban villas: Villa of the Mysteries, Villa of Diomedes, and Villa Regina in Boscoreale along with the Antiquarium.
- Pompeii 3 Days (€ 27.00): A three-day pass allowing one-time entry to each of the following sites: Pompeii Plus, Oplontis, Villa Arianna, Villa San Marco, and the Libero D’Orsi Museum.
Practical Tips for Planning Your Visits
When planning your visits to Herculaneum, Oplontis, and Stabiae, it’s essential to wear comfortable walking shoes, bring plenty of water, and use sunscreen, particularly during the hotter months. Each site offers its unique glimpse into ancient Roman life, and rushing through them would mean missing out on the intricate details that make these places so fascinating.
Combining the Sites
Although each of these sites can be visited as a standalone day trip, it’s entirely feasible to combine them into a more extended itinerary from Pompeii, thanks to their proximity to each other. If you have limited time, prioritizing Herculaneum and Oplontis might offer the most comprehensive views of Roman residential and leisure life.
Accommodation
For those who wish to stay overnight in the area, Castellammare di Stabia offers numerous hotels and bed-and-breakfast options that cater to various budgets. Staying here allows easy access to all three sites for a more relaxed exploration.
Local Cuisine
Don’t miss out on indulging in some local Neapolitan cuisine. The region is famed for its fresh seafood, delicious pasta dishes, and, of course, authentic Napoli pizza. Several local eateries around each site offer these culinary delights, making it easy to enjoy a meal before or after your visits.
While Pompeii is undoubtedly a must-see, Herculaneum, Oplontis, and Stabiae offer equally compelling reasons to be included in your itinerary. These sites provide further dimensions to the understanding of ancient Roman life, from the intimate domesticity of Herculaneum to the lavish luxury of Oplontis and the elegant leisure of Stabiae. Each site tells its story of the fateful day in 79 A.D. when Vesuvius erupted and of the life that bustled there long before.
And perhaps more importantly, by exploring these lesser-known sites, you contribute to their preservation and appreciation for future generations. So, whether it’s through the meticulously preserved frescoes of Oplontis, the opulent villas of Stabiae, or the wooden remnants of Herculaneum, each step takes you deeper into a world long past but still very much alive in each corner of these ancient towns.