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The Archaeological Area of Paestum, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, is enclosed by imposing stone walls with a pentagonal perimeter, punctuated by 24 remarkably well-preserved watchtowers, some of which are round while others are square. It is accessed through four gates, each corresponding to the outlets of two main intersecting streets: the East Siren Gate, West Marina Gate, North Golden Gate, and South Justice Gate. These walls stretch for approximately 5 kilometers, reaching heights of nearly fifteen meters and depths ranging from five to seven meters. They are externally traversed by a protective ditch, several meters deep and typically filled with water.

Inside these walls lies one of the world's most culturally significant archaeological parks, centered around the iconic trio of temples but enriched by various other historical and artistic treasures. The "Temple of Hera," also known as the "Basilica" due to the near-complete absence of the cella walls, pediment, and entablature, stands as the oldest among the three temples, dating back to around 550 BC. This temple, oriented from west to east, follows a peripteral design with 9 columns on the facades and 18 on the sides, still allowing identification of the pronaos and the adyton—an area inaccessible to the faithful. Particularly noteworthy are the columns, which, in a Doric style akin to the Temple of Ceres, feature decorated floral motifs on the capital collar. The second temple, often referred to as the "Temple of Poseidon," exemplifies the pinnacle of Greek architectural achievement in the Western world. Erected around 450 BC, it adheres to the classical Doric architectural style (similar to the Parthenon in Athens) and faces from west to east. This temple boasts 6 frontal columns and 14 lateral columns and, despite its name, is believed to have been dedicated to the goddess Hera. Lastly, we encounter the "Temple of Ceres," constructed toward the end of the 6th century BC at the city's highest point. This temple exhibits 6 columns on the facade and 13 on the sides, with an exceptionally tall pediment—a characteristic unique among Greek temples—combining elements of both archaic Doric and Ionic styles.

Paestum's Archaeological Area also includes other sites of significance. The "Italic Temple," dedicated to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, is situated atop a lofty base, at the center of which once stood an imposing altar, accessible only from the southern side via a grand staircase. "The Forum," originally a Greek Agora, was repurposed by the Romans. "The Boleuterion," also known as the Greek Theater, initially served as the meeting place for the city's highest council and featured a circular layout before being partially altered by the Romans. "The Amphitheater," constructed in the first century AD, was used for gladiatorial contests. "The Gymnasium" came equipped with a swimming pool for aquatic competitions. Lastly, the purpose of "The Hypogeum," an underground structure discovered in 1954, remains uncertain. Some theories propose it as a subterranean temple dedicated to a fertility goddess, while others suggest it as a cenotaph—a symbolic tomb—honoring the city's founder.

Paestum is also home to a trove of invaluable artifacts showcased at the Paestum Museum. Among these, the most renowned is the "Tomba del Tuffatore" (Tomb of the Diver). Unearthed in 1968 and believed to date back to 480 BC, its frescoes within depict an elegantly poised male figure in mid-dive—an exquisite portrayal of the passage from earthly life to the mysterious realm beneath the water's surface. The sheer magnificence of the temples, combined with the intricate urban layout of the ancient city and the wealth of archaeological finds (primarily Greek and Lucanian artifacts) housed in the National Museum, is bound to captivate the artistic, cultural, and aesthetic sensibilities of all who choose to explore these legendary grounds.