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The Archaeological Park of Paestum

parco-archeologico-paestum

One of the most beautiful attractions to visit, at least once in your life is the “Archaeological Park of Paestum”, inscribed since 1998 in the UNESCO Human Patrimony World List. The Archaeological Park of Paestum is an expression of Greek civilization in all its charm and richness. In February 2020 the “Archaeological Park of Paestum” was combined with the “Excavations of Velia” creating a real Archaeological Park of Cilento, many emotions to live and discover ancient Greece in one place.

History of the city of Paestum

The history of Paestum is very ancient and especially animated: the origin of the city dates back to the distant VII B.C. by the Greeks of Sibari who in the same period also began the colonization of southern Italy and Sicily which then took the name of Magna Grecia. The first name of Paestum was Poseidonia, in honor of the “God of the sea”, then after being conquered by the Lucanians in 273 B.C. it became a Roman colony with the name of Paestum.

What to absolutely see in the Archaeological Park of Paestum

In the “Archaeological Park of Paestum” there are many extraordinary archaeological finds to visit, which with their history will make the visit a unique experience and different from the others. Among the many wonderful monuments present, the ones not to be missed are: the temples, the amphitheatre, the forum with comitium, the sanctuaries and the necropolis, where it has been found one of the most famous graves in the world, the incredible and fascinating “Tomb of the Diver”.

The temples of Paestum

The Temples of Paestum are among the most important architectural works inherited from Magna Graecia still in excellent condition. Thanks to their beauty and resistance over time, they make Paestum one of the most important archaeological parks of Magna Grecia, together with the Valley of the Temples of Agrigento.

napolincc-parco-archeologico-paestumLet’s see now, what are the most significant:

Hera or Basilica’s Temple

The Temple of Hera, also called Basilica, is in the south of the Archaeological area, next to the Temple of Neptune. The realization of the Basilica of Paestum began around the year 550 BC, it is a Doric temple dedicated to Hera, the Goddess of Fertility.

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The Temple of Neptune

The Temple of Neptune is the largest in the Archaeological Park of Paestum. The temple was built a century after that of Hera, around 460 B.C. in travertine.

The Temple of Athena

The Temple of Athena, also known as the Temple of Ceres, was built on an artificial relief that places it higher than the entire ancient city of Paestum.

The Tomb of the Diver

Inside the Archaeological Museum of Paestum among the many historical finds, there is a unique and incredible piece: the Tomb of the Diver. One of the most famous tombs found to date, built around 470 B.C. The Tomb of the Diver is a rare example of Greek painting. It embellished a tomb found in a necropolis 2 km south of Paestum.
The walls are painted with symposium scenes (it was the convention of adult male citizens at the banquet and entertainments), in this case in honor of the deceased who is represented at the time he dives into the afterlife. The concept of the afterlife was very strong in the ancient world, a way of thinking different from that of the Egyptians, a philosophical thought born from great personalities of antiquity such as: Plato, Parmenides and Pythagoras. The latter, had an idea of death different from the people of the past, because they lived it as a metaphysical experience of liberation of the soul.

napolincc-La-Tomba-del-Tuffatore

How to get to the Archaeological Park of Paestum

Paestum is well connected to Naples, so you can easily reach it by car, you can also choose to travel by public transport, arriving at the station of Paestum by train. If you want to reach the “Archaeological Park of Paestum” more comfortably by car, giving you the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful experience to the fullest, you can travel with us: private transfers NapoliNCC will take you where you prefer, with flexible hours and a professional driver at your disposal.If you want to visit the city of Paestum, you can also discover the services offered by Shore Excursion – Tours & Experiences: we can also organize for you a private tour adapted to your needs!
Contact us and we define together the best solution for you!

Do you want to know more about “the Archaeological Park of Paestum”?

If you want to organize the tour to visit the Archaeological Park of Paestum find info on costs, times and booking methods on the official website of the Archaeological Park.

Official web site – museo Paestum

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