Paestum

Introducing Paestum

Paestum’s unforgettable Unesco-listed temples are among the best-preserved monuments of Magna Graecia, the Greek colony that once covered much of southern Italy. An easy day trip from Salerno or Agropoli, they are one of the region’s most iconic sights, absolutely not to be missed.

Paestum, or Poseidonia as the city was originally called (in honour of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea), was founded in the 6th century BC by Greek settlers and fell under Roman control in 273 BC. It became an important trading port until the fall of the Roman Empire, when periodic outbreaks of malaria and savage raids by the Saracens led its weakened citizens to abandon the town.

Its temples were rediscovered in the late 18th century by road builders – who proceeded to plough their way right through the ruins. However, the road did little to alter the state of the surrounding area, which remained full of malarial swamps, teeming with snakes and scorpions, until well into the 20th century.

The tourist office (0828 81 10 16; www.infopaestum.it; Via Magnia Grecia 887; 9am-7pm daily Jul & Aug, 9am-4pm Mon-Fri Sep-May) has plenty of practical information on Paestum and the Costiera Cilentana.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009