Paestum: the greek-roman archaeological site in the Cilento

Paestum, located in Cilento, is one of Italy's most important archaeological sites. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1998, this ancient Greek city was founded in the 7th century BC and today houses some of Italy's finest and best-preserved ruins, such as the three large and impressive Doric temples.

The Temple of Ceres, the Temple of Apollo, and the Temple of Neptune are just a few of the treasures that can be admired at Paestum. Each is a perfect example of ancient Greek architecture, with massive columns and drum bases, and have been well preserved despite the passing of centuries.

In addition to the temples, Paestum also houses a Roman amphitheater, a necropolis, and a bath area, all testimonies of the daily life of its inhabitants. Furthermore, the site also features a museum displaying artifacts found during the excavations, including pottery, ceramics, and coins.

In conclusion, Paestum is a place that offers a perfect combination of history, natural beauty, and culinary delights. It's no wonder that it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

Paestum is also famous for its production of buffalo mozzarella, a high-quality gastronomic product that can be tasted during a visit to Cilento region.

The Archaeological Museum of Paestum

The Archaeological Museum in Paestum offers a comprehensive overview of the city's history, presenting sections dedicated to prehistorical and protohistorical eras, the Greek foundation of Poseidonia, and the Roman colony of Paestum.

The museum also houses important finds from the Paestum excavations, including the archaic metopes from the Hera sanctuary near the mouth of the Sele river.

This way you can have a global vision of the history of this ancient city and its archaeological treasures.

Opening hours and ticket cost

Opening hours: from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM (last entry 6:45 PM - reservation not required).

The ticket is valid for 3 days and includes the Museum and a visit to the Velia Archaeological Park.

From December to FebruaryFull: €6. Reduced for young people up to 25 years: €2.Family (2 adults + one or more children and young people up to 25 years): €10.

From March to NovemberFull: €12. Reduced for young people up to 25 years: €2.Family (2 adults + one or more children and young people up to 25 years): €20.

First Sunday of the month: free admission to all sites.

10 tips for visiting the Paestum Temples

1. Plan your trip in advance to avoid long waits
2. Arrive early to avoid the crowds
3. Wear comfortable shoes as the temples are located on uneven terrain
4. Bring a water bottle as the site doesn't have fountains
5. Use a tour guide for a more comprehensive and informative visit
6. Take a break for lunch at one of the local restaurants
7. Bring a hat and protect your skin from the sun's rays
8. Purchase your ticket online to avoid lines at the ticket booth
9. Use sunscreen and bring sunglasses
10. Take advantage of photographic opportunities to take spectacular photos.

During your visit to the Paestum temples, you should not miss

• The Temple of Ceres, which is the largest and best preserved of the three temples.
• The Temple of Neptune, which has a special significance as it was used as a Christian church in the Middle Ages.
• The Paestum Necropolis, an ancient burial site that extends outside the city walls.
• The National Archaeological Museum of Paestum, which houses numerous works of art and artifacts from the ancient city.
• The Basilica, a large rectangular structure thought to have been used as a public building.
• Visiting the archaeological site at dawn or sunset, to enjoy breathtaking views and a quieter atmosphere.
• Tasting local products such as cheeses, cured meats, and wines at one of the local restaurants.
• A walk along the walls of the ancient city, to admire the view of the surrounding plain.These are just some of the treasures you can discover during your visit to the Paestum temples.

How do I get Paestum, in Cilento?

Paestum is located in southern Italy, near the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. To get there, you can take the train or drive, depending on your location and preferences.

By train: The nearest train station is the Paestum station, which is located about 2 km from the archaeological site. From the station, you can take a taxi or walk to the Archaeological site.

By car: If you're driving, you can reach Paestum via the A3 motorway, which runs from Naples to Salerno. Exit at Battipaglia and follow the signs to Paestum. There is a large parking lot near the site where you can leave your car.

By bus: There are direct buses from Salerno to Paestum that depart from Salerno's bus station.

By plane: The nearest airport is Naples International Airport-Capodichino, from where it's possible to take a train or bus to Paestum.

In any case, once in Paestum, from the train station the archaeological site and museum are easily accessible on foot or with a short transfer by taxi or bus.