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Archaeological Site of Paestum

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The archaeological site of Paestum is home to three of the world's best-preserved ancient Greek temples, all built in the Doric order. Founded around 600 BC by Greek colonists as Poseidonia, the city was later conquered by the Lucanians and eventually by the Romans. The three monumental temples, dedicated to Hera and Athena, date from the 6th and 5th centuries BC and are renowned for their massive columns and harmonious proportions. Beyond the sacred precincts, the site includes remains of the Roman forum, an amphitheater, and exceptionally well-preserved city walls stretching nearly 5 kilometers. A major archaeological highlight is the "Tomb of the Diver," featuring frescoes that offer rare evidence of Greek wall painting and funerary beliefs. Since 1998, Paestum has been a UNESCO World Heritage site, serving as a vital testament to the presence of Magna Graecia in Italy. The adjacent National Archaeological Museum houses numerous artifacts, including decorative metopes and grave goods. The temples remained standing through the centuries largely because the area became swampy in the Middle Ages, protecting the stones from reuse.

Location: Italy
Top sights: Piscina ellenistica · Ekklesiasterion · Museo archeologico nazionale di Paestum
Nearby: Capaccio Paestum (6 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	8	8	11	14	18	22	25	25	21	18	14	10
Rain mm	87	68	68	52	43	31	25	25	63	78	108	82

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The archaeological site of Paestum is an open-air ruin with three well-preserved Greek temples. The site can be visited with an entrance fee, and the adjacent museum is also accessible.

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Typical hours

The site is typically open daily with seasonal hours. The museum often has separate opening hours, which may differ slightly.

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Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the site. In the museum, non-flash photos are usually fine; tripods are often not allowed inside the museum.

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Time needed

A visit to the site and museum typically takes two to three hours. If you want to study the temples in detail, allow more time.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with the nearby coast and Cilento National Park. The ancient city of Velia is also worth a detour.

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Getting there

Paestum is about 90 kilometers south of Naples, reachable by train (Paestum station). By car, take the A3 highway and SS18 road.

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Insider tip

Visit the site early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds. An audio guide provides interesting background information on the temples.

Geography

Coordinates

40.42100, 15.00500

Facts

Founded around 600 BC by Greek colonists as Poseidonia
Contains three Doric temples (Hera I, Hera II, Athena)
UNESCO World Heritage site since 1998
Home to the famous Tomb of the Diver frescoes
The ancient city walls are 4.7 kilometers long
Located in the province of Salerno, Campania region

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Capaccio Scalo4 km · NExplore →

Capaccio Paestum6 km · EExplore →

Agropoli8 km · SExplore →

Mersa Fatma16 km · SWExplore →

Santa Maria di Castellabate16 km · SExplore →

Montecorice21 km · SExplore →

Agnone23 km · SExplore →

Casal Velino27 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Archaeological Site of Paestum (7)

Piscina ellenistica 🏺 historical

An ancient Hellenistic pool in the archaeological site of Paestum.

Ekklesiasterion 🏺 historical

Ancient Greek assembly hall in the Paestum archaeological site.

Museo archeologico nazionale di Paestum 🏛 museum

A museum displaying significant findings from Paestum, including the Tomb of the Diver.

🌐 museopaestum.beniculturali.it🕒 Tu-Su 08:30-19:30; Mo off; Jan 1 off; Dec 25 off♿💶

Second Temple of Hera (also called of Neptune or Poseidon)🏺 historical

One of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world, built in the Doric style.

Spiaggia Casina d'Amato 🎡 recreation

Beach Spiaggia Casina d'Amato near the ancient Greek temples of Paestum.

Spiaggia Ponte di ferro 🎡 recreation

Spiaggia Ponte di ferro is a coastal stretch in the region of the archaeological sites of Paestum.

Spiaggia Foce Acqua dei Ranci 🎡 recreation

Spiaggia Foce Acqua dei Ranci is located at the mouth of a watercourse in Paestum.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What temples can be seen in Paestum?

Three excellently preserved Greek temples: Hera I, Hera II, and Athena.

What is the highlight of the museum?

The 'Tomb of the Diver' with its unique frescoes.

Is it allowed to enter the temples?

Yes, unlike many other sites, you can walk through the temples here.

What food is typical for the region?

Buffalo mozzarella (Mozzarella di Bufala Campana) comes directly from this area.

Is there a beach nearby?

Yes, Paestum has long sandy beaches located just one kilometer away.

Archaeological Site of Paestum: where is it located?

Archaeological Site of Paestum is located in Italy.

Archaeological Site of Paestum: what is there to see?

Highlights include Piscina ellenistica, Ekklesiasterion, Museo archeologico nazionale di Paestum.

Archaeological Site of Paestum: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

Archaeological Site of Paestum: why is it worth visiting?

The archaeological site of Paestum is home to three of the world's best-preserved ancient Greek temples, all built in the Doric order.

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