Paestum
With three Greek temples remaining
The ancient city of Paestum, originally named Poseidonia, is is on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea in Magna Graecia, in the Region of Compania. Established around 600 BC as a Greek colony.
Paestum prospered as a trade center and was later conquered by the Lucanians, an indigenous Italic people, before coming under Roman rule in 273 BC. The Romans renamed the city Paestum. This is a place to visit to experience its three ancient Greek temples in the Doric order dating from about 550 to 450 BC, which are in an excellent state of preservation.
The city walls and amphitheater are largely intact, and the remains of many other structures, as well as paved roads, can still be seen. The site is open to the public, and there is a modern national museum also on the ground.
In the museum there is the mural from the Tomb of the Diver. It dates to 470 BC and was found in the Area Tempa dei Prete in Paestum. It is one of a kind in terms of a surviving example of Greek artwork. Too bad we missed it, but after I read about it on our return, well it is always good to have a reason to return to Paestum.
There are also the remains of a Greek Theatre.
Paestum is one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world due to its excellently preserved large Greek temples. On my last visit I noticed more people on the grounds, but no where near the pressing crowds you find in Rome.
Driving is the most common way to get there, but I have taken a train from Salerno (bus from Amalfi to Salerno, train to the station which is 2 km from the site. It is a pleasant walk down a country road. On one trip I took the train there, and then to the main town and then a boat back to Amalfi. Got to have the full experience.
Temple of Hera
photo: mytravellinglens.com
The Temple of Hera:
Also known as the Basilica, this is the oldest temple at Paestum, dating back to the 6th century BC. It features Doric columns and was dedicated to Hera, the Greek goddess of women, marriage, family, and childbirth.
Temple of Athena
photo: mytravellinglens.com
On my 2014 visit to Paestum I felt like I have the beautiful temples all to myself!
The Temple of Athena:
Sometimes referred to as the Temple of Ceres, this temple was built a little later than the Temple of Hera. It was dedicated to Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, courage, and warfare.
The Temple of Neptune
photo: mytravellinglens.com
I took this photo on my 2014 visit to Paestum, look at the little wooden fence which is all there was between me and the temple. At times I felt it was just me and the temple.
The Temple of Neptune
This is the largest and best-preserved temple at Paestum. Built in the mid-5th century BC, it is also known as the Temple of Poseidon, who was the Greek god of the sea. However, some believe that this temple may have been dedicated to Hera as well.
These temples were built by Greek colonists and are better preserved than many of those in Greece itself.
So what happened? Trade routes changed and the city died. Luckily, flooding and the formation of marshes sealed off the city. It was sacked by Muslim raiders in 871 CE and subsequently abandoned. Paestum was left undisturbed and largely forgotten until the 18th century when it was rediscovered.
Today, the remains of the city are found in the modern frazione of Paestum, which is part of the comune of Capaccio Paestum in the Province of Salerno in the region of Campania, Italy.
MARCUS TRAVEL
My Travels in Italy
