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Paestum
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.
The Museum of Paestum is certainly between the most important Italian archaeological museums. In it is guarded one of the most valuable collections of archaic sculptures than coming from southern Italy (cycle of metope of the Heraion of Foce Sele VI sec. B. C.) and of funeral paintings referable to the lucano period (IV sec. B.C.) that they are today an unicum, like it is, for the Classical age, the so-called "Tomba del Tuffatore" (Tomb of the Diver), exceptional example, splendidly preserved, of funeral painting of Greek tradition. Our Favorite Restaurants in PaestumTourist sights in the area - Distances and driving times |
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How to get from Salerno to Paestum
Acciaroli Nearby sights
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For
those visiting the Cilento National Park a visit to the ruins of the ancient Greek
community of Paestum is mandatory. 
The National Archaeological Museum of Paestum