Paestum

The Temple of Neptune at Paestum, dating from 450 BC and beautifully preserved. Photo © Sacred Destinations.

Paestum is an ancient Greco-Roman city in the Campania region of southern Italy (40 km south of Salerno), not far from sandy beaches in a region known for its mozzarella di bufula. Settled by Greek colonists in the 6th century BC, Paestum was later occupied by Lucanians, Romans and Christians. Malarial swamps led to the abandonment of the city in the 9th century AD, but also helped preserve the ancient city's finest artifacts. Today, Paestum boasts three well-preserved Doric Greek temples, ruins of ancient houses and a museum of Greek artifacts. As an extra bonus, the site is off the beaten tourist path and is often deserted. Paestum makes an excellent alternative (or complement) in southern Italy to the later, and more crowded, Roman ruins at Pompeii.

City Guide & Trip Planning Paestum Map Get a birds-eye view of churches and other sights in Paestum with our interactive, high-resolution aerial map. Paestum Photos Take a virtual tour of this beautiful ancient site by browsing our galleries of more than 200 quality photos. Paestum Hotel Reviews Read candid traveler reviews, check ratings, and compare prices on lodging in Paestum. Paestum Travel Forum Get tips, advice and answers on travel to Paestum from experienced travelers and locals. Books on Greek Temples Learn more about the architecture, art and function of ancient Greek temples with these suggested books.

Sacred Sites & Religious Places Greek Temples of Paestum Details and photos on the three ancient Greek temples at Paestum - the Temple of Neptune, Temple of Hera and Temple of Ceres - and other ancient ruins at the archaeological site. Archaeological Museum of Paestum Located next to the Greek temples, this excellent museum displays Greek and Roman artifacts from the Paestum area. Its most famous exhibits are rare Greek tomb frescoes from the 5th and 4th centuries BC. Byzantine Church Also close to the Greek temples is the Basilica Paleocristiana, an early Christian cathedral dating from the 5th century. It has recently been restored to its original form, which reuses materials from the ancient city.

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