# Ercolano

> comune in Campania, Italy

**Wikidata**: [Q72111](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q72111)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ercolano)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ercolano

## Summary
Ercolano is a comune in the Metropolitan City of Naples, Campania, Italy, known for its rich archaeological heritage and proximity to the ancient Roman town of Herculaneum. It is home to significant historical sites such as the Villa of the Papyri and the Basilica of Santa Maria a Pugliano, and serves as a key cultural and historical hub in southern Italy.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Ercolano is located in the Metropolitan City of Naples, Campania, Italy.
- **Historical Names**: Also known as Resìna.
- **Population**: Approximately 53,410 (as of most recent data).
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 40.806791666667, Longitude 14.352608333333.
- **Official Website**: [http://www.comune.ercolano.na.it](http://www.comune.ercolano.na.it)
- **Notable Sites**:
  - Villa of the Papyri: Ancient Roman villa.
  - Basilica of Santa Maria a Pugliano: Church building.
  - Herculaneum: Roman town destroyed by Mount Vesuvius.
  - Terme Suburbane: Ancient Roman bath complex.
  - Theatre of Herculaneum: Ancient Roman theatre.
  - College of the Augustales: Roman religious building.
- **Archaeological Significance**: Ercolano is closely associated with the ancient city of Herculaneum, buried during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
- **Administrative Classification**: Ercolano is a comune, part of the Italian municipal system.

## FAQs

**What is Ercolano known for?**  
Ercolano is best known for its archaeological significance, particularly its connection to the ancient Roman city of Herculaneum, which was buried during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. It is also home to several preserved Roman villas and structures, such as the Villa of the Papyri.

**What are the major historical sites in Ercolano?**  
Major historical sites in Ercolano include the Villa of the Papyri, the Basilica of Santa Maria a Pugliano, the Terme Suburbane, the Theatre of Herculaneum, and the College of the Augustales. These sites reflect the area's deep Roman heritage.

**What is the administrative structure of Ercolano?**  
Ercolano is a comune (municipality) within the Metropolitan City of Naples, which is part of the Campania region in Italy. It functions under the broader Italian municipal governance system.

**What is the relationship between Ercolano and Herculaneum?**  
Ercolano is the modern town built atop the archaeological remains of the ancient Roman city of Herculaneum, which was destroyed in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The town serves as a gateway to the archaeological site.

**What are some notable buildings in Ercolano?**  
Notable buildings include Villa Favorita (built in 1792), the Basilica of Santa Maria a Pugliano, and several ancient Roman structures such as the Theatre of Herculaneum and the College of the Augustales.

## Why It Matters
Ercolano holds immense cultural and historical importance due to its proximity to the ancient Roman city of Herculaneum, which was buried alongside Pompeii during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The town serves as a vital archaeological site, offering insights into Roman urban life, architecture, and society. Its preservation of ancient structures and artifacts contributes significantly to the global understanding of classical antiquity. Additionally, Ercolano plays a role in the cultural identity of the Campania region and Italy as a whole, drawing international scholars and tourists alike.

## Notable For
- **Proximity to Herculaneum**: Ercolano is built over the ancient city of Herculaneum, one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world.
- **Villa of the Papyri**: Home to one of the most famous ancient Roman villas, known for its extensive library.
- **Archaeological Preservation**: Ercolano’s ancient sites are exceptionally well-preserved due to the nature of the volcanic eruption.
- **Cultural Heritage**: The town is a living museum of Roman history, with structures like the Basilica of Santa Maria a Pugliano and the Theatre of Herculaneum.
- **Historical Significance**: Ercolano is a key site for understanding Roman domestic and religious life.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Ercolano is located in the Metropolitan City of Naples, within the Campania region of Italy. Its geographical coordinates are approximately 40.8068° N latitude and 14.3526° E longitude. The town is situated near the Bay of Naples and is part of the Vesuvius area, which is historically significant due to its volcanic activity.

### History and Archaeological Significance
Ercolano is historically linked to the ancient Roman city of Herculaneum, which was buried during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The modern town was built over the ancient ruins, making it a unique archaeological site. The ancient city's remains, including villas, baths, and public buildings, are among the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture and urban planning.

#### Key Ancient Sites in Ercolano:
- **Herculaneum**: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient Roman town was buried under volcanic material and is a major archaeological attraction.
- **Villa of the Papyri**: An ancient Roman villa discovered in the 18th century, known for its extensive collection of papyrus scrolls.
- **Theatre of Herculaneum**: A well-preserved Roman theatre that offers insight into ancient entertainment and civic life.
- **Terme Suburbane**: Ancient Roman baths that showcase the sophistication of Roman engineering and public facilities.
- **College of the Augustales**: A religious building dedicated to the imperial cult, reflecting the religious practices of ancient Romans.

### Architecture and Notable Buildings
Ercolano features a blend of ancient and modern architecture. Notable buildings include:
- **Villa Favorita**: Constructed in 1792, this historic building is a symbol of the town's architectural heritage.
- **Basilica of Santa Maria a Pugliano**: A church building that reflects the religious and cultural life of the town.
- **Ancient Roman Structures**: Including the Theatre of Herculaneum and the College of the Augustales, which are integral to understanding Roman civic and religious life.

### Cultural and Religious Life
Ercolano plays a significant role in the cultural landscape of Campania. The town's connection to Herculaneum makes it a center for classical studies and archaeological tourism. Religious sites like the Basilica of Santa Maria a Pugliano highlight the town's ongoing spiritual and cultural traditions.

### Administrative Structure
As a comune in Italy, Ercolano operates under the municipal governance system. It is part of the Metropolitan City of Naples, which was established in 2015. The town's administration manages both modern civic needs and the preservation of its archaeological heritage.

### Tourism and Global Impact
Ercolano attracts thousands of tourists and scholars annually due to its proximity to Herculaneum and its preserved Roman sites. It serves as a critical node in the study of ancient Roman civilization and offers a tangible link to the past through its archaeological remains.

### Related Entities and Connections
- **Portici-Ercolano Railway Station**: A key transportation hub connecting Ercolano to Naples and other regional destinations.
- **School of Resina**: A group of Italian artists associated with the area, highlighting Ercolano's cultural contributions beyond archaeology.
- **Wikidata and Online Presence**: Ercolano is documented in over 75 language versions of Wikipedia, reflecting its global significance.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. MusicBrainz
3. [Source](http://demo.istat.it/bilmens2016gen/index02.html)
4. [Popolazione Residente al 1° Gennaio 2018. Italian National Institute of Statistics](http://demo.istat.it/pop2018/index3.html)
5. [Source](https://demo.istat.it/?l=it)
6. [Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011. Italian National Institute of Statistics](https://www.istat.it/it/archivio/156224)
7. Wiki Loves Monuments Italia
8. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
9. Seismic classification in Italy
10. [Source](https://rischi.protezionecivile.gov.it/it/sismico/attivita/classificazione-sismica)