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The Greek Temples of Paestum

If you are spending your holidays in Southern Italy, a visit to the ruins of the ancient Greek community of Paestum is mandatory.

Paestum has always been shrouded in mystery. It was probably founded around 650 BC by a group of Dorians who named their new colony Poseidonia, after the most important of their gods. Poseidonia flourished until 510 BC, when Sybaris was destroyed. In 390 BC Poseidonia fell to a tribe of local barbarians called the Lucanians.

In 273 BC, the Romans arrived. They changed the city's name in Paestum, but we know as little about Roman Paestum as we do about its Greek predecessor. In 79 BC, the eruption of Vesuvius partially destroyed it. Perhaps it was volcanic ash that helped to silt up the mouth of the river on which the city stood; this led the surrounding countryside to become swampy and mosquito-ridden. Christianity arrived, eventually bringing a bishop and at least two churches. In the 9th century AD, nearby Agropoli was conquered by Saracens. These Muslim Arabs were fierce fighters that soon forced the inhabitants of Paestum to leave the city and retreat to the surrounding hills.

Strange but true, the entire site was forgotten, and rediscovered only in 1740. About 20 per cent of the ancient town has been excavated so far. Among the other buildings stands the Temple of Hera (also called "of Poseidon"), one of the most famous worship sites in antiquity. The Temple of Hera is the oldest, best preserved and most beautiful Doric temple in existence today.

At the excavation site you will also find the National Archaeological Museum of Paestum. The museum is certainly among the most important Italian archaeological museums. It contains one of the most valuable collections of sculptures of southern Italy (cycle of metopes of the Heraion of Foce Sele VI sec. B. C.) and of funeral paintings of the Lucano period (IV sec. B.C.). Amongst these there is the so-called "Tomba del Tuffatore" (Tomb of the Diver), exceptional example, splendidly preserved, of funeral painting of Greek tradition.

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Unesco World Heritage Sites in Cilento National Park, Archaeological Sites in Cilento National Park

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