A brief history of Paestum
Paestum was founded by the Greeks in the 7th century BC under the name Poseidonia in honour of Poseidon, the god of the sea. Later, the city came under the rule of the Romans, who gave it the name Paestum. It prospered until the early Middle Ages, when malaria and raids caused the inhabitants to abandon it. As a result, the city remained almost untouched for centuries - and today it is one of the best preserved ancient sites in Europe.
What to see in Paestum
Temple of Hera (Basilica) - the oldest of the temples, dating from around 550 BC.
Temple of Neptune - an imposing structure dating from the 5th century BC, considered the pinnacle of Doric architecture.
Temple of Athena - stands on an elevated hill and offers beautiful views of the surrounding plain.
City Walls - a 4.75 km long defensive system with gates that you can walk along.
Archaeological Museum - preserves the famous fresco "Tomb of the Diver" as well as many other finds.
The archaeological site of Paestum has three of the best preserved ancient Greek temples in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When to visit Paestum
It is best to go in spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant and the site is not crowded. In summer, be prepared for higher temperatures, but at the same time summer offers the opportunity to combine a trip with swimming at the nearby beaches in the Cilento area.
Tips for travellers
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Paestum is located about 90 km south of Naples, ideal to combine it with a visit to Amalfi or Salerno.
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There are large meadows in the area, so bring a hat, water and comfortable shoes in summer.
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Nearby, you'll find farms producing mozzarella di bufala - a buffalo mozzarella that's well worth trying.
The temples and ruins of Paestum stand free in the open air, surrounded by greenery and tranquillity. The atmosphere is different from Rome or Pompeii - no crowds or commerce, just you and thousands of years old stones.
You can book your tickets online. Admission is around 40 euros. The park is open daily from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm.
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