"Paestum's Temples" Top 5 Page for this destination Paestum by sandysmith

Paestum Travel Guide: 92 reviews and 206 photos

Greek Gems in Italy

Thanks to Sim1's page I knew about these marvellously preserved temples. So when I knew a trip was possible here on our recent italian holiday I jumped at the chance.

The ancient city of Paestum is just a few miles south of Salerno - a good couple of hours drive from our base in Scala (we took an organised tour) but it was well worth it and we got some stunning views of the Amalfi coast - as well as a good laugh at the driving on the renowned narrow Amalfi coast road.

Temples of hera and Poseidon

There are 3 temples to admire - in better preservation than many of those in Greece:
The southernmost of the temples, the Basilica, was built about 530 B.C., with the Temple of Poseidon dating from about 460 B.C. The third, farther north...is the Temple of Ceres (Athena), from about 510 B.C.

Many other ruins of a roman town are also clearly evident and the museum has some marvellous exhibits too from the temples.

Pros and Cons

Pros:wonderfully preserved temples, a joy to stroll amongst in peace
Cons:none
In a nutshell:great doric architecture.

Last visit to Paestum: Jun 2003
Intro Updated Jul 2, 2003
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Reviews (29)

tell them about the honey mummy.... - Paestum

Honey Jars Things to Do (20)

All eight bronze jars were made by highly skilled and techonologically advanced craftsmen, and they must have... more travel advice

Underground Shrine Things to Do (20)

An underground shrine was discovered in the area between the Temple of Athena and the Roman Forum, near the agora.... more travel advice

Underground Shrine Jars Things to Do (20)

This shrine contained very rich offerings - all now in the museum. On the floor of the shrine were placed eight large... more travel advice

Roman coins Things to Do (20)

The ground floor of the museum has a host of artifacts from the tombs and the city of Poseidon - the originals can be... more travel advice

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Comments (16)

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Turska Sep 21, 2011 at 1:55 AM

Intresting looking place. must put it at our "maybe" list, if we will have enought time, on our one week trip to Sorrento at March. :)
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MM212 Mar 26, 2007 at 3:18 AM

Excellent page with great photos of a place I did not know existed! Not enough time to go next week when I'm in Rome. Perhaps on another trip. Many thanks for sharing!
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Superhans Jun 23, 2006 at 7:32 AM

great page, love the photos.
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dvideira May 17, 2004 at 9:55 PM

I was planning going to Paestum while I was in Costiera, but I missed it , unfortunately... You page kind of fill in the gap for me. Great tips and pics.
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roamer61 Feb 13, 2004 at 5:19 PM

A fantastic site. Someplace definetly worthy of a visit.
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kazander Jan 30, 2004 at 4:23 PM

Your Paestum page is fantastic! I have a lot of work to do on my Paestum page yet, but I'll be working on it!
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Bonobo2005 Jul 2, 2003 at 5:30 AM

600BC? wow...I never saw structures that old. These ruins are so well preserved! Must have a special day, wandering around this Paestum! Thanks!
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cbeaujean Jul 1, 2003 at 9:07 AM

one of the hottest and most exceptional ancien site through italy (with agrigente,sicily)...and one of the most ignored too!tks for bringing back a lot of nice written tips and good memories,as the "tomb of the diver" one!
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globetrott Jun 29, 2003 at 4:08 PM

What an interesting location and excellent pics ! I have been so close, but did not go further than just Pompeji :-(((
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sim1 Jun 25, 2003 at 11:54 AM

Excellent page Sandy! I am so glad you liked it so much! I really loved it here, and like you , I am amazed that so few people seem to visit and know about this place. But it does make Paestum special though, so quiet, so different to busy Pompeii.