Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
some beautiful still-life paintings. Waiting for you in the courtyard is a diminutive pair of
marble deer assailed by dogs, and an engaging statue of a drunken, peeing Hercules.
Terme Suburbane
Marking the site's southernmost tip is the 1st-century-AD Terme Suburbane (Suburban
Baths), one of the best-preserved bath complexes in existence, with deep pools, stucco
friezes and bas-reliefs looking down upon marble seats and floors. This is also one of the
best places to observe the soaring volcanic deposits that literally smothered the ancient
coastline.
MAV
(Museo Archeologico Virtuale;
MUSEUM
081 1980 6511;
www.museomav.com
; Via IV Novembre 44; adult/reduced €7.50/6,
optional 3D documentary €4; 9am-4.30pm Tue-Fri, to 5.30pm Sat & Sun; Circumvesuviana to Ercolano-
Scavi)
Using high-tech holograms and computer-generated footage, this 'virtual archaeolo-
gical museum' brings ruins like Pompei's forum and Capri's Villa Jovis back to virtual
life. Especially fun for kids, it's on the main street linking Ercolano-Scavi train station to
the Ruins of Herculaneum.
Eating
Viva Lo Re
CAMPANIAN
€€
( 081 739 02 07;
www.vivalore.it
;
Corso Resina 261, Ercolano; meals €27; noon-4pm & 8.30-late Tue-Sat,
lunch Sun; Circumvesuviana to Ercolano-Scavi)
Stylish Viva Lo Re (Long Live the King) mixes
vintage prints and bookshelves with superb wines, gracious service and some of Campan-
ia's finest revamped dishes. Start with the artful antipasto - 'tastings' might include
pol-
pettina di baccalà
(salted cod patty) or
crocchetta di taleggio con porcino
(Taleggio and
porcini croquette). End with the
tris
, a decadent trio of desserts.
Information
Tourist office
( 081 788 12 74; Via IV Novembre 82; 8am-6pm Mon-Sat)
You'll pass this office on
your right as you walk from the train station to the excavations.
Getting There & Away
The best way to get to Ercolano is by Circumvesuviana train (get off at Ercolano-Scavi
station and walk 500m downhill to the ruins - follow the signs for the
scavi
down the
