Destinations · Campania
Paestum the Greek temples
Three Greek temples still standing after more than 2,400 years, in the middle of the Sele plain: Paestum is one of the most moving archaeological sites in Italy.
Poseidonia, the city of Poseidon
Greek colonists from Sybaris founded Poseidonia around 600 BC. Over the following centuries the city passed to the Lucanians and, in 273 BC, became the Roman colony of Paestum.
Abandoned in the Middle Ages because of malaria and the marshes, it was rediscovered in the 18th century along the road to Calabria and became a stop on the Grand Tour.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Since 1998 Paestum has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with the Cilento National Park, Velia and the Certosa di Padula. The Greek walls, almost five kilometres long, still enclose the ancient city.
The surrounding plain is buffalo mozzarella country: after the excavations, a stop at a dairy is almost a must.
Not to be missed in Paestum
Temple of Hera
Known as the “Basilica”, the oldest of the three, mid-6th century BC.
Temple of Neptune
The largest and best preserved, 5th century BC.
Temple of Athena
On the highest point of the ancient city.
Archaeological museum
The Tomb of the Diver and the Lucanian funerary paintings.
The walls
Almost five kilometres of circuit with the ancient gates.
A dairy
Buffalo mozzarella from the Sele plain.
Before you go
From Capodichino; from Salerno airport about 40 min.
Excavations and museum at a relaxed pace.
In summer, early morning is best.
Salerno about 45 minutes away.
Paestum pairs well with the Amalfi Coast or Salerno: we set off early, you visit the temples in the morning light and in the afternoon I take you back to your hotel, with a stop for mozzarella if you fancy it.
Approximate times, without traffic.
Private NCC transfer: Paestum
Capodichino: I wait for you with a name sign.
Molo Beverello and the cruise terminal.
Napoli Centrale, Piazza Garibaldi.
Salerno Costa d’Amalfi (QSR).
NCC service (licensed private hire with driver), booking only, in a black Renault Trafic for up to 8 people: I take you to Paestum from airports, ports, stations and hotels, or from Paestum to anywhere in Campania. Tolls and parking always included.
Estimated times without traffic (TomTom route calculation); in summer and at rush hour they can be longer.
Paestum in a day, from Naples, Salerno or the Amalfi Coast.
Tolls and parking are always included. Carlo checks availability and replies within 24 hours.
