Italy in Photos

Parco Archeologico di Paestum

Parco Archeologico di Paestum, located in the Campania region of southern Italy, is one of the most significant and well-preserved archaeological sites in the country, offering a unique glimpse into the ancient world. This expansive park, situated near the Tyrrhenian Sea, is renowned for its magnificent Greek temples, ancient ruins, and rich history that spans over two millennia. Paestum, originally known as Poseidonia, was founded by Greek colonists from Sybaris around 600 BC. The city was named after Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, and quickly grew into a thriving centre of commerce, culture, and religion. In the 4th century BC, Paestum fell under the control of the Lucanians, an indigenous Italic people, who maintained its prosperity. Later, in 273 BC, the city was conquered by the Romans, who renamed it Paestum. Under Roman rule, the city continued to flourish, becoming an important part of the Roman Empire until it was eventually abandoned in the early Middle Ages due to malaria outbreaks and Saracen raids.

The Temples: – The most striking features of the Parco Archeologico di Paestum are its three well-preserved Doric temples, which are among the finest examples of Greek architecture in the world. These temples are dedicated to Hera, Poseidon, and Athena, and they stand as a testament to the architectural prowess and religious devotion of the ancient Greeks.

TEMPLE OF HERA I (BASILICA): – The Temple of Hera I, also known as the “Basilica,” is one of the most ancient and significant structures within the Parco Archeologico di Paestum in southern Italy. Built around 550 BC by Greek colonists, this temple is dedicated to Hera, the goddess of marriage and childbirth. Despite its nickname “Basilica,” it was never a Christian Basilica but rather a large, early Doric temple. The architecture of the Temple of Hera I is characterized by its massive, closely spaced columns, with nine across the front and eighteen along the sides, giving the temple a robust and imposing appearance. These thick columns, capped with simple capitals, reflect the early Doric style, emphasizing strength and stability over decorative complexity. The temple’s design, with its solid proportions and austere lines, showcases the architectural transition from the archaic to the classical Greek period. Although the temple’s roof and much of its superstructure have not survived, the remaining columns and foundation provide a powerful sense of the temple’s original grandeur. The Temple of Hera I stands as a testament to the religious devotion and architectural innovation of ancient Paestum’s Greek inhabitants.

TEMPIO DI NETTUNO (TEMPLE OF NEPTUNE OR POSEIDON): – The Tempio di Nettuno, also known as the Temple of Neptune or Poseidon, is the most impressive and well-preserved structure in the Parco Archeologico di Paestum, located in southern Italy. Built around 460 BC during the height of the classical Greek period, this majestic temple is a masterpiece of Doric architecture and is often mistakenly attributed to Poseidon, the god of the sea, although it was likely dedicated to Hera, the goddess of marriage and women. The temple’s grand design features a harmonious and balanced structure, with six columns across the front and fourteen along each side. These columns, characterized by their fluted shafts and simple, yet elegant, Doric capitals, rise majestically to support the entablature and pediments. The use of local travertine stone gives the temple its warm, golden hue, enhancing its timeless beauty. What sets the Temple of Neptune apart is its remarkable state of preservation, with nearly all of its original columns and much of its entablature still intact. This allows visitors to experience the full grandeur of Greek temple architecture. The Temple of Neptune stands as a symbol of the artistic and architectural achievements of ancient Paestum, reflecting the city’s importance in the classical world.

TEMPLE OF ATHENA: –  also known as the Temple of Ceres, is a significant example of ancient Greek architecture, built around 500 BC. It stands on a slight elevation in the Parco Archeologico di Paestum, southern Italy, and represents a transitional phase between the Doric and Ionic styles, reflecting the evolving artistic trends of the period. This temple, slightly smaller than the grander temples of Hera, was dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare. Its design features a combination of architectural elements: the sturdy Doric columns typical of early Greek temples, alongside Ionic elements in the frieze and interior. The temple has six columns along the front and thirteen along each side, creating a compact yet elegant structure. One of the most distinctive features of the Temple of Athena is its slender columns and proportionate dimensions, which contrast with the heavier, more robust design of the earlier Temple of Hera I. Despite its age, the temple is well-preserved, with much of its original structure still standing. The Temple of Athena is a testament to the artistic and cultural richness of ancient Paestum, highlighting the city’s connection to both Greek religious traditions and architectural innovation.

Beyond the Greek temples, the archaeological park also includes significant Roman-era ruins. The Forum, the political and social heart of the Roman city, is a central area surrounded by remnants of important public buildings, including a basilica, a curia (senate house), and temples. The Roman amphitheater, though not as well-preserved as those in other cities, provides insight into the entertainment and social life of ancient Paestum. The ancient city of Paestum was enclosed by robust defensive walls, approximately 4.75 kilometers long, which remain remarkably intact. These walls, built by the Greeks and later reinforced by the Romans, feature towers and gates that controlled access to the city. The most notable gate is the Porta Sirena, which offers a glimpse into the city’s strategic importance and its military architecture.

THE MUSEO ARCHEOLOGICO NAZIONALE DI PAESTUM  is a premier cultural institution located near the ancient ruins of Paestum in the Campania region of southern Italy. This museum is one of the most important archaeological museums in Italy, housing an extensive collection of artifacts that trace the rich history of Paestum, from its origins as a Greek colony to its later Roman period. The museum was established in the 1950s to protect and display the wealth of archaeological finds from the nearby ancient city of Paestum, which was originally founded as Poseidonia by Greek settlers in the 6th century BC. Over time, as the city evolved under both Greek and Roman rule, it became a significant cultural and economic center. The museum’s collections offer a comprehensive view of this evolution, showcasing the daily life, religious practices, and artistic achievements of the ancient inhabitants.

One of the most renowned artifacts in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Paestum is the *Tomb of the Diver*. This unique tomb, dating back to around 470 BC, is famous for its frescoes, particularly the image of a man diving into a body of water. This scene, which symbolizes the transition from life to death, is a rare example of Greek funerary art in Southern Italy and is considered one of the most significant pieces of classical art. The frescoes of the Tomb of the Diver are displayed in a dedicated room, allowing visitors to appreciate the detail and artistry of this ancient work. Another significant section of the museum is dedicated to the vast array of pottery and ceramics found in Paestum. These items, ranging from large amphorae to small everyday vessels, illustrate the artistic skills and the daily life of the ancient Greeks and Romans. The collection includes red-figure and black-figure pottery, which depicts mythological scenes, everyday activities, and elaborate geometric patterns.

The museum also houses an impressive collection of sculptures, including several metopes from the temples of Paestum. These sculpted panels, originally part of the temple decorations, depict various mythological scenes and figures, providing insights into the religious and cultural beliefs of the ancient Greeks. In addition to its Greek collections, the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Paestum also features numerous Roman artifacts, reflecting the city’s continued importance under Roman rule. These include inscriptions, statues, and architectural fragments, such as columns and capitals, which illustrate the transition from Greek to Roman architectural and artistic styles. Beyond its role as a repository of ancient artifacts, the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Paestum also serves as an educational center. The museum regularly hosts exhibitions, lectures, and workshops aimed at deepening public understanding of ancient history and archaeology. The layout of the museum is designed to guide visitors through the history of Paestum in a chronological and thematic order, making it accessible and informative for both casual visitors and scholars alike. Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Paestum is not just a museum but a gateway to the past, offering a vivid glimpse into the ancient world through its carefully curated collections. Its proximity to the archaeological site of Paestum enhances the experience, allowing visitors to connect the artifacts within the museum to the ruins just steps away. The museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of ancient Greece and Rome, providing a comprehensive and immersive exploration of Paestum’s rich cultural heritage.

Photo Gallery of Parco Archeologico di Paestum

Photo Gallery of  Walk – Via Magna Graecia to Basilica Paleocristiana della Ss. Annunziata
Approximately km 0.73 – 0.45 miles

The walk starts in Via Magna Graecia – Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Paestum – Piazza Basilica Zona Archeologica – Basilica Paleocristiana della Ss. Annunziata