The 'Tomb of the Diver' is the only example of Greek wall painting with figured scenes dating from the Orientalizing, Archaic, or Classical periods currently known.
The Temple of Hera I (the Basilica) is one of the oldest Doric temples in existence, noted for its nine-column width instead of the standard six.
Paestum was known to the Romans as a location for roses that bloomed twice a year, a feature frequently mentioned in classical Roman poetry.
The Roman amphitheater is only partially excavated, as a modern road was built directly over a significant section of the structure in the 19th century.
The site contains a 'Heroon,' a small subterranean chamber structure believed to be a cenotaph dedicated to the city's anonymous founder.
The temples were constructed using local travertine limestone, which takes on a golden or rose-tinted hue depending on the angle of the sun.
The Archaeological Park of Paestum houses three of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples in the world, dating from the 6th and 5th centuries BCE. The site contains the Temple of Hera I, known as the Basilica, the Temple of Hera II, and the Temple of Athena. It features a Roman-era amphitheater and an extensive collection of Lucanian tomb paintings housed within the on-site National Archaeological Museum. The site was originally a Greek colony named Poseidonia before becoming the Roman city of Paestum. Visitors can walk along preserved portions of the original Greek city walls and urban layout. The site covers approximately 120 hectares, though the primary temple precinct is concentrated in the southern and northern zones of the park.
The Temple of Hera II framed from the southern vantage point during the golden hour.
Walk the full perimeter of the ancient city walls to see the defensive towers and gates which are often overlooked by visitors staying only at the temples.
Use the shared ticket entry to access both the outdoor archaeological park and the indoor museum, as the museum contains the most fragile artifacts.
Bring a hat and high-SPF sunscreen, as the site offers almost no natural shade among the ruins.
Do not skip the museum; many of the site's most critical archaeological finds, including the painted metopes, are kept indoors to protect them from weathering.
The museum is typically closed on the first Monday of every month; the park remains open daily year-round.
Do not climb, sit on, or touch any of the ancient stone structures; stay strictly on marked paths.
