Paestum

Cilento

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A journey through time in Paestum, an archaeological site with extraordinary temples and artifacts telling the story of Poseidonia.

  • Foto di Paestum
  • Foto di Paestum
  • Foto di Paestum

Paestum in Cilento, between Doric temples, nature, and culture, showcasing the greatness of the ancient Greek city.

Paestum is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Italy, located in the municipality of Capaccio Paestum, in the province of Salerno. Founded by the Greeks in the 6th century BC under the name Poseidonia, the city was later known as Paiston under the Lucanians and finally became Paestum after the Roman conquest in 273 BC. After a period of great prosperity, the city gradually declined in the 9th century AD due to Saracen raids and poor living conditions, remaining buried until its rediscovery in the 18th century.

Today, the archaeological site of Paestum is one of the most extraordinary remnants of Magna Graecia, with remarkably well-preserved ruins that showcase over two thousand years of history. The site’s most iconic landmarks include the three imposing Doric temples, some of the best-preserved ancient structures in the world. The Temple of Neptune (5th century BC), the largest and most majestic, was actually dedicated to the goddess Hera. The Temple of Athena, mistakenly known as the Temple of Ceres, dates back to the late 6th century BC and features a blend of Doric and Ionic columns. The oldest of the three, the Temple of Hera (mid-6th century BC), was dedicated to the Greek goddess of fertility.

In addition to the temples, the archaeological site also preserves the defensive walls, which stretch for nearly 5 km. These walls were originally built by the Greeks and later fortified by the Lucanians and Romans. Numerous tombs discovered in the surrounding necropolises have yielded significant artifacts, including the famous Tomb of the Diver (circa 480 BC), the only known example of Greek funerary painting depicting a symbolic transition from life to death. The National Archaeological Museum of Paestum houses frescoes, pottery, sculptures, and other valuable artifacts that highlight the rich cultural heritage of the ancient city.

Located just a few kilometers from the coast, Paestum is an unmissable destination for history, art, and nature enthusiasts. The site has captivated travelers for centuries, including the renowned poet Goethe, who visited in 1787 and was deeply moved by the grandeur of its ruins. Beyond its archaeological wonders, visitors can enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Capaccio Paestum’s beaches, explore the surrounding countryside, and savor the region’s renowned culinary specialties, including the famous mozzarella di bufala campana DOP.

Paestum: what to do and what to see

Paestum is a town in southern Italy that is located in the province of Salerno. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its archaeological site, which is one of the most important in Europe. The archaeological site of Paestum is home to three Doric temples, which were built in the 6th and 5th centuries BC. The temples are dedicated to the Greek gods Poseidon, Hera, and Athena. They are remarkably well-preserved, and they provide a glimpse into the ancient Greek world. In addition to the temples, the archaeological site also includes the remains of a city wall, an agora, and a theater. The site is open to the public from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm every day.

Paestum is also home to a number of other attractions, including beaches, a museum, and a mozzarella factory. The beaches are long and sandy, and they are a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The museum houses a collection of archaeological finds from the area, including pottery, jewelry, and sculptures. And the mozzarella factory offers tours and tastings of the famous Campania buffalo mozzarella. Paestum is a charming town with a rich history and culture. It is a great destination for a day trip or a longer vacation.

Municipality: www.comune.capaccio.sa.it
Archaeological area of Velia: www.museopaestum.beniculturali.it

How to reach Paestum

Paestum is located south of Salerno along the Tyrrhenian coast, about 40 km from Salerno and about 80 km from Naples.
Here are the main ways to reach Paestum:
By car: If you are driving, you can take the A3 Salerno-Reggio Calabria motorway. Take the Battipaglia exit and follow the signs for the SS18 Tirrena Inferiore state road in the direction of Agropoli-Sud/Paestum.
By train: Paestum is served by the Naples-Reggio Calabria railway line. You can take a train from Naples Central or from other stations along the railway line. Once you arrive at Paestum station, you can reach the archaeological site on foot in a few minutes.
By plane:
the nearest airport to Paestum is Naples International Airport. From the airport, you can take a direct train to Paestum or reach Napoli Centrale station and from there take a train to Paestum. It is best to rent a car when you arrive in Naples, especially in the low season. This is because there are not many public transportation options available to visit the Cilento areas and get around easily.

Distance from the beaches: 3,5 km
Distance from Salerno: 40 km, about 48 minutes by car
Train station: Paestum, 0 km

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