Seasons, last admission and closing days
Herculaneum working hours and opening times
Herculaneum's opening times change twice a year, and last admission falls well before closing — that's the mistake that costs people half their visit. Here's how to plan the day.
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Quick summary
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Summer hours | 16 March – 14 October: 8:30–19:30 |
| Winter hours | 15 October – 15 March: 8:30–17:00 |
| Last admission | 18:00 in summer, 15:30 in winter |
| Closing days | Open daily; closed 1 January and 25 December |
| Best time | The first hour after opening |
| Time to allow | 2–3 hours |
Official source: The official calendar, including extraordinary closures and evening openings, is published by the Archaeological Park of Herculaneum at ercolano.cultura.gov.it. ercolano.cultura.gov.it
Last admission is not closing time
The ticket office shuts well before the park does, and staff start closing houses around half an hour before the final time. Arrive close to last admission and you'll see streets, not interiors — and the interiors are the entire reason to come to Herculaneum.
- Turn up at least two hours before closing for a full visit.
- In winter the light goes early and unlit rooms become hard to read.
- Closures start with the houses furthest from the entrance.
The best time slots
| Window | Crowds | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Opening – 1 hour after | Low | Soft light, empty houses, clean photos |
| 10:00 – 13:00 | High | Coach groups, school trips and cruise passengers |
| 13:00 – 15:00 | Medium | Groups head back and the site breathes |
| Final 2 hours | Low | Warm light — but mind last admission |
Closures and special cases
- Some houses rotate for conservation work; the day's list is posted at the entrance.
- Evening events and special openings are announced on the official site a few days ahead.
- Under an orange or red weather alert the park can close without notice.
Opening hours FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What time does Herculaneum open?
Early morning, varying between summer and winter schedules — check the Park's official calendar for your date.
When is last admission?
Well before closing. Arrive at least two hours before the final time to see the interiors.
Is Herculaneum open on Mondays?
The weekly closing day is listed in the official calendar and can shift around public holidays.
Can you visit in the evening?
Only during scheduled events and special openings announced by the Park.
How long does a visit take?
Two hours for the main route, three or four if you want to enter everything.
Keep planning
Updated 2026-08-04 · Official source