Paestum
One of the oldest cities in Campania, located on the spectacular Tyrrhenian coast, to the south of Salerno. Greek colonists from Sybaris founded the settlement as Poseidonia. It was not long before it became one of the most important sites in the Hellenistic era. In the fifth century BCE, Lucan conquered Paestum; subsequently it reached its greatest territorial expansion and a long period of prosperity. In the third century BCE, the Roman Republic conquered the colony, changing the city’s name to Paestum. In later imperial times, Paestum began its decline until final abandonment in the eighth century CE due to silting of the surrounding area, which hid the ruins to the world. Recently they were excavated and can be seen on the world stage – Paestum is a truly a splendid jewel of the past.
Archaeological Park
The temples of Paestum are a real rediscovered treasure in the Eighteenth Century, a magnificent testimony of Magna Grecia, which leaves us enchanted. They have an excellent state of conservation, thanks also to the construction techniques of that time. A walk through ancient glories that is worth seeking.
- The Temple of Hera, also called Basilica, is the oldest of the three buildings, and was started around 560 BCE. It is the only one who has preserved itself so well over time. The name basilica is assumed because when the archaic structure was built there were still no specific canons, leaving a controversy with its original function over the time, although it is now proven that it was a cult building. Findings and inscriptions suggest that it could be the temple of Hera, protector of the Achaeans and bride of Zeus.
- The Temple of Athena is the only certain temple which divinity was dedicated: Athena, the goddess of craftsmanship and war. Built on the highest point of the city, around 500 BCE. was predominating over the surrounding area.
- The Temple of Neptune is the largest temple in Paestum, and it is also the best preserved one. In fact, it was built in the same period of the temple of Zeus in Olympia (mid 400 BCE), but has better preserved state thanks to the incredible construction technique capable of resisting either earthquakes then other natural disasters.
- In the same way, the Museum preserves some truly amazing pieces of ceramic and funerary art.
The Beach
Another enchantment of this area is certainly the beach, in fact this area is also a holiday place and stopping a few days here would certainly not be a bad idea.