Ercolano as Pompei was destroyed by the eruption in 79 a.C., suddenly covered by an avalanche of rubble and mud mixed to water. When the vulcan erupted, the citizens busy in thei everyday activities didn't have neither the time to run away. In fact more than hundred skeletons of people at the spa were extracted from the lava in position of escape. The city has been buried for more than 1600 years, until 1738 when, for order of Carlo III Borbone, the diggings started. The first thing discovered was the magnificent Villa dei Pisoni. The mansion comprised a very furnished library with the most important works of the ancient Greeks and latin authors. The most attractive and beautiful villas of the area are: Casa dell'Atrio, with the finest indoor decorations and a scenic balcony facing the sea; Casa di Nettuno, the most luxurious of Ercolano, with plenty of marvellous statues and a flourishing garden. Besides habitations you can visit also the baths, located in front of Sannittica Manor, divided in male and female baths, with three large tubs.
