Gli Ozi di Ercole

A festival blending myth, history, and live performance

Gli Ozi di Ercole is the evening cultural festival hosted by the Herculaneum Archaeological Park, in the town of Ercolano, near Naples, in the heart of the Vesuvius area. Created to present ancient heritage in a fresh way, the event brings together writers, philosophers, historians, archaeologists, journalists, actors, and musicians in an open dialogue between myth and history, past and future, research and cultural promotion. The format alternates between lecture-performances, theatrical readings, and musical acts, offering the public an intellectual yet accessible experience that brings the imagery of antiquity to life.

The Ancient Beach, a stage under the stars

The heart of the festival is the Ancient Beach, one of the most evocative spots in the excavations: the ancient shoreline where, in 79 AD, many fugitives met their end during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Today, this poignant space transforms into an open-air stage, with evening events typically running from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Capacity is limited to 400 people per evening to ensure an intimate atmosphere and a direct connection between the performers and the audience.

A journey into the classical imagination

Each edition revolves around a theme that serves as the common thread for the evenings. The festival explores the body, myth, metamorphosis, love, and conflict through the voices of contemporary culture, blending scientific outreach with the performing arts. Scholars and performers take the stage to convey, through words, gestures, and sounds, the richness of the ancient world that resurfaces among the ruins of Herculaneum.

Part of the Park's summer season

Gli Ozi di Ercole is part of the rich summer calendar of the Herculaneum Archaeological Park, which accompanies visitors from July to September with evening cultural experiences, including the historic Fridays of Herculaneum series. Under the guidance of director Federica Colaiacomo, the Park continues to experiment with innovative ways of narrating heritage, fostering the encounter between research, education, and live performance, and establishing the site as a vibrant space for cultural growth and exchange.

Information and reservations

Participation is limited: tickets are available online and at the ticket office until the start of the event, subject to availability. Given the limited capacity, advance booking is recommended. All updated information on the program and access methods is published on the official channels of the Herculaneum Archaeological Park.