The Archaeological Park of Herculaneum enters a new era with the opening to the public of two extraordinary restored Domus and the launch of an innovative digital App, designed to enrich the visitor experience.
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The inaugural ceremony, held on March 19, was attended by the Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Edmondo Cirielli, witnesses of the technological and conservative transformation that is affecting the site.
After more than twenty-five years, two of the most fascinating residences of ancient Herculaneum are once again accessible: the House of the Tuscan Colonnade, which preserves a fresco depicting the sacrifice of Hercules for the foundation of the city, and the House of the Wooden Shrine, whose name derives from the discovery of a statuette of the Greek hero. These reopenings represent the first milestone of the Domus project, a plan to enhance the archaeological site that combines research, restoration and accessibility.
Technology and history: the new Ercolano Digitale App
“The reopening of these homes marks a historic moment for Ercolano – declared Minister Giuli –. Thanks to the synergy with the Packard Humanities Institute, which has supported the site for over twenty years, we can now look to the future with an ambitious program that includes new excavations, laboratories and storage for conservation”.
In addition to the restoration works, the Park opens up to new technologies with the launch of the Herculaneum Digital App, available for Android and iOS devices. The app, which can be downloaded for free in nine languages, uses a network of Bluetooth beacons to provide visitors with real-time information based on their location.
Thanks to the WiFi and LiFi connection installed on the site, the App allows you to choose between five thematic routes, offering a personalized experience suitable for all types of audiences. "This innovation - explained the Director of the Park, Francesco Sirano - allows you to explore Ercolano in a more engaging and interactive way, combining the charm of history with the potential of digital".
Towards the future: new excavations and redevelopment projects
The relaunch of Herculaneum does not stop there. Thanks to an investment of approximately 45 million euro, in the next few years the archaeological site will see the construction of new research spaces, the start of large-scale excavation campaigns and the creation of a green area that will integrate the ancient city with the modern urban context.
“The Public-Private Partnership with the Packard Humanities Institute – underlined the architect Jane Thompson, responsible for the project – will allow us to eliminate modern infrastructures close to the excavations, creating a new landscape and starting unprecedented archaeological research".
Article published on March 19, 2025 - 19pm
