Useful information for tourists about Paestum in Italy - geographical position, tourist infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.
Paestum, once known as Posidonius and formerly a large Sybarite colony, was founded at the end of the 7th century BC. on the western coast of Lucania (the current Italian region of Campania) 85 km from modern Naples. Later, the city was moved inland, since the marshy soil did not contribute to its development. The dawn of Paestum is believed to have occurred in the middle of the 6th century BC. - this is evidenced by the ruins of spacious temples that have survived to this day, the remains of the road and other buildings. But by the end of the 5th century BC. the city ceased to be greek colony, and in 274 BC. was colonized by the Romans, and lost its significance. In the future, he was remembered only in connection with roses, which grew in abundance in the vicinity of the city.
At the end of the 9th century, Paestum was plundered by the Saracens and completely abandoned. But this devastation had a beneficial effect on the local architecture - three Doric temples dedicated to the goddesses Athena and Hera have been perfectly preserved. And in 1968 on the territory of Paestum was discovered the so-called "Diver's Tomb" with amazing frescoes of the 5th century BC, which today are the only example of Greek fresco painting of the classical period, fully preserved to this day. The ruins of Paestum are now included in the list of sites of the World Cultural heritage UNESCO.
Modern Paestum, located north of the archaeological site, is positioned as a popular tourist resort with wide sandy beaches. The city's population is concentrated in small villages located around the ancient ruins - Santa Venere, Andreoli, Torre di Paestum. The city has railroad station lines Naples - Salerno - Reggio di Calabria.
The first thing that attracts the attention of tourists who come to see the ancient ruins of Paestum is the defensive wall that surrounds the city. The wall is about 5 km long, 5-7 m wide and 15 m high. There are 24 square and round towers installed along it.
The Temple of Hera was built in 550 BC. Greek colonists are oldest temple Paestum. 17th century archaeologists named it "Basilica" because it was mistaken for a Roman building, but later an altar was discovered in front of the "basilica" - it was located under open air, which was typical of Greek temples.
The second temple of Hera dates from the middle of the 5th century BC. - in the past it was considered a temple of Poseidon, but later evidence was found that ceremonies were performed in it not only in honor of Hera, but also in honor of Zeus. In the eastern part there are the ruins of two altars - a large and a small one. The small one was created already in the era Ancient Rome.
In the center of the archaeological complex of Paestum is the Roman Forum, which was probably built on the site of an ancient Greek agora (meeting place). To the north of it is a small ancient Roman temple from the 3rd century BC, and to the northwest is an amphitheater, unfortunately partially destroyed in the 20th century.
In the highest part of Paestum, slightly away from other buildings, stands the Temple of Athena from the beginning of the 6th century BC. Three medieval Christian graves in the lower tier of the temple indicate that at one time it served as a Christian church.
There is also a small museum in Paestum, which displays a collection of objects found during archaeological excavations - female figurines, amphorae, frescoes, sculptures, etc.
Paestum is famous for its wide sandy beaches. Municipal beach is located between the beaches of four-star hotels - there is fine sand and clear water.
Paestum. Italy
- the ancient city of Magna Graecia in Italy. The Greeks called it Poseidonia. All the churches in the city were grouped around one square. This place was discovered at the beginning of the 20th century, and it became the largest archaeological find Great Greece of the last century.
The exact date of foundation is unknown. Archaeologists call about the 7th century. BC, the city was built by the inhabitants of the city of Sybaris, located on east side the Italian peninsula (on the territory of modern Calabria), who founded several colonies on the Tyrrhenian coast for commercial purposes. They wanted to use the new city as a "transshipment" point for goods imported by sea, and further from Paestum the cargo could travel by land, which saved time and eliminated the dangerous sea voyage along the entire "Italian Cape".
But in 510 BC. Sybaris was completely destroyed. This shook Paestum's position. But the city survived. During the time of Ancient Rome, Paestum remained loyal to him, although most of the Greek cities supported Hannibal. Then the Greek Poseidonia began to be called Paestum.
But the city's harbor was overgrown with grass, Paestum was mentioned less and less often, his glory was rolling towards decline. In the Middle Ages, only a few huts were already mentioned, but even those have sunk into oblivion.
The first rediscovery of Paestum occurred in 1524, when the Neapolitan humanist Pietro Summonte in a letter mentions the ancient city with "three temples".
In 1762, by order of Charles of Bourbon, they began to pave a road here and accidentally discovered the ruins of the ancient temple of Hera and an amphitheater not far from.
The first excavations began in 1907, which gave new breath to Paestum as an archaeological museum.
Paestum was surrounded by a wall, which is almost completely preserved. Its length is 4.5 km, when there were also turrets, of which practically nothing remained. It was possible to enter the city through 4 doors. East - the entrance of the Siren, named after the sculpture of a fantastic animal.
The southern entrance is called Justice, and it leads into a spacious lobby, protected on both sides by towers.
From the west there is the Sea Gate overlooking the sea.
The northern entrance was called Golden, but it was destroyed at the beginning of the 18th century.
In the center there was a square for popular meetings. In times Ancient Greece she called agora, in ancient Rome - forum. Holy and cult place ancient city, the grave of the founder of the city was located here.
Tomb of the founder Paestum. Italy
In the days of Ancient Rome, the Capitol Temple was erected at the forum - the temple of the Divine Trinity and the Basilica. The forum was adjoined by an amphitheater and a gymnasium with a swimming pool. The Basilica, or Temple of Neptune, is dedicated to the goddess Hera, it was the most big temple Paestum. It was erected around 460 BC.
Paestum. Italy
The ruins of the Temple of Ceres (Temple of Athena), which was erected in 500 BC, have been preserved.
On the territory of the archaeological complex of Paestum, you can see residential areas of the Greco-Roman period, as well as other temples and structures.
Paestum. Italy
Paestum. Italy
Of particular interest is Archaeological Museum, opened in 1952. It contains a rich collection of archaeological excavations, including tombstones, vases, frescoes., Dating back to the 7th century. BC. - VII century.
Paestum. Italy
One of the most famous exhibits - diver's headstone (480-470 BC), which is an example of Greek art. The image can be interpreted as a symbolic transition from earthly life to the kingdom of the dead.
Paestum. Italy
Archaeological area and museum
Via Magna Grecia - Paestum
The museum is open:
8.30-18.45
Closed 1st and 3rd Monday of every month.
The excavations are open every day from 8.45, closing depending on the time of year and the onset of darkness.
Ticket 10 euros (museum + excavation)
How to get to Paestum:
Entrance to the archaeological area from Via Magna Grecia 151, at Capaccio.
railway. Regional train from Naples to the Paestum stop.
Auto:
A3 motorway, exit at Battipaglia and then SS18 or SP430.
Paestum is a city of the ancient Greeks, which nowadays is located on the territory of modern Italy. In the period of antiquity, its other name was more popular - Poseidonia. The area where the beautiful temples are located is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Paestum is located 40 km south-east of Salermo, on the coast of the Tyren Sea. There are ruins within the boundaries of modern Paestum ancient settlement and a small but very cozy resort.
History
In the VI century. BC. natives of Sybaris founded a new city - Poseidonia. Enterprising merchants planned to engage in overland delivery of goods from east to west of the peninsula. This method was considered safer and more profitable than sea voyage around the "boot". After the destruction of Sybaris in the 5th century. BC, the population of Poseidonia only increased and the city reached the peak of its prosperity.
Paestum developed, in addition to outbuildings, temples began to appear in honor of Hera, Athena and Poseidon. Until the end of the 5th century. the townspeople successfully existed and developed. However, the city soon began to attract conquerors and in 400 BC. Poseidonia was conquered by the Lucans. All financial issues were decided in favor of the new rulers, but they wisely preserved the temples and the system of government that existed in the Greek settlement.
At the end of the III century. BC. the city was occupied by the troops of the Roman Empire, and it began to be called Paestum. The time has come for serious reforms. The changes affected language, religion and administrative structure. Most of the buildings were renovated in accordance with Roman traditions. The ancient temples managed to resist, but now two intersecting streets ran through the center. A forum, a senate building, a gymnasium, a market and an amphitheater appeared in the central part.
Before the beginning of the II century. BC. Paestum continued to be at the intersection of overland trade routes, but the construction of new roads bypassing the city reduced the income of the townspeople. A period of decline and diminution of the city's influence began. For a long time, residents lived happily at the expense of fertile lands. It was possible to harvest the crop three times a year, but thoughtless deforestation led to waterlogging of the area and the yield deteriorated.
Residents gradually left the city. Some preferred to go further away, others settled nearby on the hills. In the VII century. AD the bishop with part of the flock leaves Paestum forever, and after the raids of the Sarants in the 9th century. the area is completely deserted. The land was empty for several centuries. New town originated at the beginning of the 18th century, when Charles III began laying the road to Calabria. The modern settlement is located south of the ancient ruins. It is a small coastal village with cozy villas, bars, shops and restaurants. The place is ideal for a measured and relaxing holiday.
sights
Many tourists consider it their duty to visit the ancient ruins of Paestum. These are three main temples, a main road and the remains of several houses. Columns and foundations of buildings are well preserved. In some places, floor mosaics and frescoes are visible.
Temple of Hera. This temple is the oldest building Paestum. Historians date it to the first half of the 6th century. BC. The foundation and the outer perimeter of the columns have survived to this day. In total, there are 50 Doric supports (9 frontal and 18 lateral). During the excavations, several statuettes of Hera were found. This confirmed the conjecture of archaeologists that in front of them is a temple, and not an administrative building.
Several features distinguish the Temple of Hera at Paestum from other ancient and Italian buildings. Only in it the front sides have an odd number of columns, and the interior space is divided into two naves. The columns are somewhat thicker than usual, and the whole structure is lower than usual. Later Doric architecture became much lighter and more elegant.
Temple of Poseidon. The second temple is located near the first. During excavations in the Temple of Poseidon in Paestum, statues of Hera were also found, therefore it is often called the second temple of Hera. This building is almost a century younger. Like the first one, it is oriented from east to west. The front sides consist of 6 columns, and there are 14 of them on the sides. Ancient builders even took into account the curvature of the horizon. central part 10 cm above the side surfaces.
The interior space is divided into 3 naves. The central columns, flights of stairs and sections of the walls with frescoes are perfectly preserved.
Temple of Athena. The third temple dedicated to the goddess Athena is located somewhat separately. According to experts, it was built in the second half of the 6th century. BC. During the excavations, figurines of the goddess and relief images with her profile were found. The length of the temple is almost 33 m, along the side walls there are 14 columns, the main facade consists of 6 pillars. Plant motifs and remnants of gilded trim can be seen on horizontal surfaces. Archaeologists have discovered several tombs in the floor, it seems that over time, the temple turned into a Christian church.
What else to see
In addition to ancient temples, tourists are attracted by the remains of city buildings. Along the perimeter of the city, parts of the city walls with gates (IV century AD) have survived. In the center, the outlines of a forum (3rd century BC), agora (5th century BC), an amphitheater (1st century BC) are easily guessed. There is a museum not far from the archaeological zone, which displays ancient finds. Here you can see household items, parts of bas-reliefs and samples of stucco molding.
Information for tourists
The museum and archaeological site are open from 8:45 am to 7:45 pm daily. On Christmas, New Year and on May 1, all museums in the country are closed. The ticket price for the museum is 4 euros. For 6.50 euros you can visit the museum and archaeological area. You are allowed to wander among the ruins on your own, but it is much more interesting to hire a guide. He will tell you interesting details and little-known facts.
How to get there
Works in Paestum train Station, which can be reached from Salermo and other nearby cities. The museum is located approximately 1 km from the station. An office is located right outside the station tourist center... Here you can book a tour or buy a guidebook with a map.
Not far from ticket offices museum is free parking... It is convenient to leave a car here for those who came to the city on their own.
The small town of Paestum is just an hour's drive from Naples. The first question that arises from his guests - is it really Italy? Ruins of typical Greek temples with characteristic colonnades, a layout familiar to lovers of Hellenic architecture with a mandatory agora in the center - a complete feeling that you are somewhere in Athens, and not on the shore Tyrrhenian Sea... But everything becomes logical if you delve a little into history.
The south of the Apennine Peninsula once belonged to Greece. Unfortunately, this region often suffered from earthquakes, so most of the monuments of that era have not survived to this day: in a more or less intact form, they are found only in Sicily, for example, in Agrigento. The more valuable is the heritage of Paestum - the largest archaeological park with monuments of Dorian architecture of the 6th century BC. e.
How to get to Paestum
Most convenient way to get to Paestum - via Naples. Es Seven flies to Capodichino airport from Domodedovo at 11:40 every day, except Thursday and Sunday. Travel time: 3 hours 55 minutes. From Naples airport, shuttle buses run every 15-20 minutes to the city, 15 minutes on the road. From the Napoli Centrale railway station to Paestum, trains leave every 50-60 minutes, spending one hour on the road. You can clarify the schedule and buy a ticket at the office. website of the railway carrier (in English).
Search for flights to Naples (closest airport to Paestum)
Transport
Paestum consists of two parts: the village of 1000 inhabitants, which is part of the commune of Capaccio Paestum, and archaeological parklocated north of settlement... The village is absolutely unremarkable, only beaches, most tourists do not even reach it, since the Paestum railway station is located right next to the park. The typical tourist arriving here for a day from Naples or Salerno will not need public transport.
You can get to the village by bus number 34. If you want to take public transport no, you can rent a bike or use a taxi: it is better to call a car by phone from any cafe or hotel. Parking in the city is mostly free; near the archaeological park, cars can be parked along the road or at one of two large parking lots - one is paid, the other is not.
Paestum Hotels
Hotels in Paestum are located either in a seaside village or near an archaeological park. In the first case, these will be the usual resort hotels, often with a pool and a dedicated beach area. In the second, there are cozy compact hotels run by local families. The cost in both cases is about the same. Standart room in a seaside five-star hotel costs 80-150 EUR per night with breakfast. Accommodation in a four-star hotel costs 60-80 EUR, in a three-star hotel - for 50-60 EUR. An apartment for a day in Paestum can be rented out for 50-80 EUR. There are no hostels in the city. The prices on the page are for October 2018.
Beaches
The coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea in the Paestum area is wide sandy beaches and a very warm and clean sea. The only negative is that strong waves periodically appear, so you need to be careful when resting with children. There are volleyball courts, kiosks with beach accessories. The beach strip is divided among several hotels.
Guests use sun loungers and umbrellas free of charge, but guests have to pay: two sun loungers and an umbrella will cost 15-20 EUR.
There are lifeguards on the beaches, many restaurants and bars. The most popular beaches in Paestum are Lido Mek (via Tiziano Vecellio), Lido Mediterraneo (via dei Lidi) and Otium Mare Felix (via Linkora Linea).
What to bring
Paestum is located in a region famous throughout the world for its buffalo mozzarella. This, as well as other types of cheese (provolone, cacocavallo) can be bought both in a regular supermarket chain and in any farm shop with local delicacies. Also, a popular souvenir will be a trinket on a Greek theme: amphorae, cups, sculptures of Greek soldiers, replicas of antique coins. All of this is sold in kiosks next to the archaeological park.
Paestum cafes and restaurants
Paestum has an excellent selection of restaurants despite its modest size. The city has 4 Michelin-starred establishments, a few good restaurants and many small trattorias. A dinner for two will cost from 25-30 EUR in a family cafe to 100-150 EUR in a gourmet restaurant.
The outskirts of the city are the birthplace of buffalo cheese "mozzarella di bufala" and a special kind of artichokes. These two products are widely used in the preparation of a wide variety of dishes - from pizza to baked rabbit.
sights
In fact, Paestum is the city of one, but a very important landmark included in the List world heritage UNESCO. Ancient ruins ancient city Poseidonia, as Paestum was originally called, is the largest monument of ancient Greek architecture on the mainland of Italy (official site in English). A settlement founded in the 6th century BC. e. by the Dorian tribe, after 300 years it was conquered by the Romans. In the early Middle Ages, due to the raids of the Saracens and the constant epidemics of malaria, people left Paestum. Its majestic ruins were discovered only in the 18th century during the construction of a road through the dense coastal forest.
The main attractions of ancient Paestum are three Dorian temples, erected, respectively, in honor of Apollo, Hera and Athena. The first two sanctuaries are located one after another in the southern part of the park, while a small temple greek goddess wisdom is in the north. Each temple can be approached to the fence, the entrance is prohibited.
Temple of Hera is the oldest, it was built in 550 BC. e. Unlike other temples, the dedication of this sanctuary to Hera does not cause controversy - the name of the patroness of marriage is indicated on its walls. The altar is in the open air in front of the entrance: the believers performed ceremonies and rituals without going into the glue (only the priests had access to it). The Temple of Apollo dates back to 450 BC. BC, this is the best-preserved building in Paestum: only the roof and part of interior walls... The temple with a double row of columns has two altars, one smaller and one larger. Statues of Apollo stand around the main sanctuary. Temple of Athena 500 BC e. built in a mixed Ionic-Dorian style. With the spread of Christianity in the Campaign, the pagan temple was re-equipped according to the canons of the new faith, as indicated by the gravestones on the floor.
In the center of Paestum lies the Roman Forum with numerous ruins of public buildings and private houses. To the northwest of it there is a small amphitheater, more precisely, a fragment of it - in 1930, the road continued through the archaeological park, which buried the northern part of the monument. They say that the engineers who committed such negligence were put in jail.
Weather
In Paestum soft mediterranean climate without sudden temperature changes. In winter, the thermometer rarely drops below 0 ° C, while in summer it is almost always warm and sunny in the city. Tourist season lasts from May to October.
