Herculanium

Vesuvius and Herculanium are right next to each other so we checked Herculanium out in the afternoon. It was named as such because it was supposedly founded by Hercules. It is less well known than Pompeii because it is smaller and was less significant historically, but it is much better preserved because it was covered in mud while Pompeii was covered in ash. Second stories exist on buildings with the roofs intact, statues are preserved, things are in better shape but not as numerous. It was free due to the Italian cultural weekend so that just made it sweeter (entrance was 11 Euro each, yikes). Now this is what ancient ruins are supposed to be like. Well preserved buildings and all the sites were well labled. We got the audio guide and it was great (Rome, listen up). We really felt that we got a feel for the city and it´s past. Check out the preserved frescoes:

Good times, this was one of the better parts of the trip. Like a museum but one you could be a part of. A lot of work walking around today, so back to Naples and more pizza.