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Archaeological site · Amalfi, Campânia
Parco Archeologico di Paestum
Ancient Greek city of Poseidonia, south of Salerno, with three large Doric temples standing, walls and a museum with the Tomba del Tuffatore. Day trip by train from Salerno.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Parco Archeologico di Paestum
Paestum was founded by Greeks around the 7th century BC with the name Poseidonia, in honor of Poseidon. It later passed to the Lucanians and, in the 3rd century BC, to the Romans, who called it Paestum. Abandoned in the Middle Ages, it was covered by vegetation until it was rediscovered in the 18th century.
The highlight are the three Doric temples, among the best-preserved in the Greek world: the so-called Temple of Hera, also known as the Basilica, the oldest; the Temple of Neptune, the largest and most intact; and the Temple of Athena, further north. Between them lie the Roman forum, the amphitheater and the streets of the ancient city, surrounded by walls of almost 5 kilometers.
The museum, opposite the archaeological area, houses the Tomba del Tuffatore (Tomb of the Diver), a Greek funerary painting of a man diving into the water, as well as vases, metopes and pieces from the sanctuaries. Paestum is part of the World Heritage together with the Parque Nacional do Cilento.
It is about 65 kilometers from Amalfi, via Salerno. It is a full-day trip, good for those who want to see something beyond the sea.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
3 to 4 hours for the archaeological area and the museum, not including travel time.
Best time
Early in the morning or late in the afternoon, because the site is open and has little shade; in summer, bring water and a hat. Spring and autumn are usually the most pleasant seasons.
How to get there
From Amalfi, boat or SITA bus to Salerno and from there a regional train to Paestum station, about a 10-minute walk from the temples. By car, via the coastal road south of Salerno.
Tip
Validate the regional train ticket before boarding, when it's on paper. The ticket usually covers entry to the archaeological area and the museum; confirm. Combine it with a stop in Salerno on the return.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Parco Archeologico di Paestum
Can you go from Amalfi to Paestum in one day?
Yes. Take a boat or bus to Salerno and catch the regional train to Paestum. Reserve the whole day.
What are the temples of Paestum?
The Temple of Hera (called the Basilica), the Temple of Neptune and the Temple of Athena, all in the Doric style.
Is the museum worth visiting?
Yes. That's where the Tomb of the Diver is, a Greek funerary painting that is the site's most famous piece.
Is there shade in the area of the temples?
Little. In summer, go early or in the late afternoon and bring water and a hat.