Paestum: Temples, Museum and Roman History

Paestum combines Greek temples, Roman buildings and exceptional evidence of the history of the ancient city. The archaeological site extends over approximately 27 hectares and preserves three large Doric temples. Anyone planning a trip to Paestum can combine monumental architecture with museum visits and special archaeological details here.

Three Doric Temples and the City of Poseidonia

The Temple of Neptune is particularly impressive. Its construction was completed around 460 BC; the peristyle has 6 by 14 Doric columns. The Basilica is the oldest stone temple in Poseidonia and thus offers a glimpse into the city's early development. The Temple of Athena was built around 500 BC on a small artificial hill modeled on an acropolis.

The Ekklesiasterion also makes it clear that Paestum did not consist solely of individual sanctuaries. The building was constructed around 470 BC for citizens' assemblies. Studying the site therefore makes it possible to understand how religious, political and public areas interacted in the ancient city, without linking the individual buildings into a route or sequence of visits that is not documented today.

Archaeological Discoveries from the Heroon to the Baths

Another notable monument is the Heroon, a cenotaph erected in honor of the city's founder. The amphitheater of Paestum was designed for gladiatorial games and venationes. These events depicted the hunting of wild animals. The Roman bathing complex adds another aspect of public life to the picture: It included a frigidarium for cold baths, a tepidarium for warm baths and a caldarium for immersion in hot water.

An unusual contrast to the ancient architecture is Il Cavallo di Sabbia by Mimmo Paladino. The sculpture is approximately four meters high and covered with sand from Paestum. Together with the historic buildings, it shows that Paestum also remains interesting through the combination of archaeology and later artistic engagement.

Museum and Special Evidence

The Tomba del Tuffatore is the only known tomb from the 5th century BC in the Greek world decorated with figurative scenes. In the “Beyond the Museum” area of the National Archaeological Museum of Paestum, visitors can view the archaeological storage areas every day accompanied by museum staff. This museum area therefore offers its own perspective on the finds and complements the examination of the buildings on the site.

Arrival and Choice of Accommodation

For arrival by car, there is a specific point of reference: From the Battipaglia exit of the A3, the SS 18 leads south for approximately 20 kilometers to the first stop on the municipal route in Paestum. When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home, you can therefore first consider whether your trip will focus primarily on the temples, the museum, the Roman sites or a mixture of these themes. This ties the accommodation decision to your own travel plans rather than to general expectations.

The archaeological site of Paestum is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula”. For a trip combining several interests, Paestum therefore offers a clear cultural focus: Doric temples, the history of the city, Roman baths, museum collections and contemporary art are closely connected thematically.

If you would like to compare other places for planning your trip, you can also find Capizzo, Conca Dei Marini, Casalsottano, Centola, Fisciano, Omignano, San Pietro Al Tanagro and Ogliastro Cilento here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Salerno.