GemmaHerculaneum isn’t just another name you casually hear when learning about ancient Roman towns. It’s a living time capsule, a place frozen in history by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, yet still radiating stories, secrets, and a charm that you won’t find anywhere else. Walking through its streets feels like stepping into a movie set, where every stone, arch, and mosaic whispers tales from almost two thousand years ago.
From my own personal experience, wandering these streets is like holding history in your hands. You don’t just see ruins—you feel the pulse of daily Roman life. If you’re planning a visit or simply love exploring history, Herculaneum has streets that will make you marvel, linger, and maybe even laugh at the everyday quirks of ancient times. Let me show you how I make the most of exploring Herculaneum’s historic streets.
Here’s a detailed guide to 12 streets in Herculaneum you truly need to see, what to do there, and why they’re unforgettable.
1. Via dell’Augustale
The Via dell’Augustale is the perfect starting point for your exploration. Named after the emperor Augustus, it was one of the main streets in ancient Herculaneum, bustling with life and lined with shops, temples, and public buildings.
Walking here, you’ll notice the neatly paved stones and the preserved sidewalks—yes, ancient Romans had a sense of street design that still impresses today. Based on my overall experience, taking a slow walk along this street gives you a real sense of how organized urban life was in Roman times.
Must-do: Look closely at the mosaics that once decorated shop entrances—they’re like tiny time machines transporting you back to 79 AD.
2. Via dei Sepolcri
This street is named after the tombs that were once located here. It’s quieter than Via dell’Augustale but has a haunting charm that makes it perfect for reflective wandering. The preserved buildings show detailed brickwork, frescoes, and remnants of homes that belonged to Roman families.
Must-see: Don’t miss the small shrine ruins tucked between residential buildings. They hint at the spiritual life of Herculaneum residents, something you might not immediately think about when imagining ancient streets.
3. Via Mare
Via Mare is an ancient street that once connected the town to the coastline. You can almost imagine merchants hauling goods from boats, markets buzzing, and the salty breeze carrying the scent of the sea.
Walking here feels like a mini-journey, taking you closer to the daily lives of the people who lived in this vibrant Roman town.
Things to do: Pause and admire the preserved staircases and drainage systems. Roman engineering wasn’t just functional; it was brilliant and ahead of its time.
4. Via del Foro
Via del Foro leads directly to the heart of ancient Herculaneum—the Forum. This street was the center of public life, where debates, transactions, and social gatherings occurred.
Why you’ll love it: From my own personal experience, standing on this street makes you feel connected to the past in a way no museum can replicate. You can almost hear the echoes of ancient conversations.
Must-see: The remains of the basilica and market stalls. The scale and detail are impressive and tell stories of daily business and civic life.
5. Via dei Vettii
This street is famous because it leads to the House of the Vettii, one of the most lavishly decorated homes in Herculaneum. Walking here, you’ll be surrounded by mosaics, frescoes, and architectural details that showcase Roman wealth and taste.
Things to do: Take your time exploring side alleys. Many hidden corners reveal intricate frescoes that escape casual visitors’ eyes.
Fun fact: The House of the Vettii was owned by freedmen who had become very wealthy. It’s a reminder that ancient history is full of fascinating personal stories, not just monumental events.
6. Via dell’Abbondanza
One of the most famous streets in Herculaneum, Via dell’Abbondanza is often compared to its Pompeii counterpart. It was a main thoroughfare lined with homes, shops, and public buildings.
Must-see: Look at the preserved shop signs and counters. It’s incredible to see how business was conducted almost two thousand years ago.
Tip: Walking here early in the morning is magical—the light hits the ruins in a way that makes the details pop.
7. Via Stabiana
Via Stabiana leads toward the Stabian Baths, an ancient social hub where Romans came to bathe, exercise, and socialize. The street itself has well-preserved paving stones and remnants of small homes along the way.
Why it’s special: You can imagine families walking to the baths, children playing, and neighbors gossiping—history comes alive when you notice these details.
8. Via dei Lavoratori
This street, translating to “Street of the Workers,” highlights the daily lives of ordinary Herculaneum citizens. Workshops and small homes lined this area, giving you a peek into the lives of craftspeople and merchants.
Must-see: Look for tool remnants and oven structures. These details show how the town was built and maintained—every stone had a purpose.
Humor moment: You might even chuckle imagining a Roman worker complaining about traffic—though, in this case, it was probably carts and donkeys.
9. Via del Duomo
Leading to what is now the Duomo site, this street was a religious and ceremonial artery in Herculaneum. Temples and shrines lined the road, making it a spiritual center of the town.
Things to do: Pay attention to inscriptions and decorative elements. They reveal beliefs, customs, and even political messages of the time.
Why you’ll love it: Walking here is like stepping into the town’s soul—you sense devotion, community, and civic pride all in one place.
10. Via dei Sanniti
This street is named after the Samnite people who were part of Herculaneum’s early history. It’s a narrow street with a mix of residential buildings and public spaces.
Must-see: The preserved mosaics on the floors of houses are breathtaking. Each tells a story or displays a pattern that’s still vibrant after centuries.
Pro tip: Take your time and imagine life as a resident here—the street hums with history if you let your imagination run.
11. Via del Cardo
Via del Cardo connects various smaller streets and was essential for town traffic. Roman urban planners had a knack for organization, and this street shows how efficiently they laid out Herculaneum.
Things to do: Look at the intersections and stepping stones. Ancient engineers considered water drainage, pedestrian movement, and traffic flow long before modern cities did.
Fun fact: You might spot graffiti left by Roman citizens. Yes, even 2,000 years ago, people wanted to leave their mark!
12. Via dei Gladiatori
Finally, Via dei Gladiatori, a street that leads to the small amphitheater. This area would have been full of energy during shows and training sessions.
Why it’s unforgettable: You can almost hear the cheers, the clashing of swords, and the excitement of spectators. It’s a street where history comes alive in a very cinematic way.
Must-see: Take a closer look at the amphitheater walls and seating arrangements—they’re a testament to Roman engineering and entertainment culture.
Final Thoughts
Exploring Herculaneum isn’t just about seeing ruins—it’s about walking in the footsteps of people who lived, laughed, worked, and dreamed centuries ago. From bustling markets to quiet residential alleys, these 12 historic streets give you a full picture of ancient life.
From my own personal experience, the best way to explore Herculaneum is to slow down, let your imagination roam, and pay attention to small details. A mosaic here, a shrine there, even the stones under your feet—they all tell stories that textbooks cannot capture.
So pack your walking shoes, bring curiosity, and let Herculaneum’s streets transport you back in time. Each street has something unique, a little secret, or a moment that makes your visit unforgettable.
I’m Gemma, a passionate lifestyle blogger sharing my creative world with you. Gemitaliano.com is my little corner of the internet, glad you’re here.