Paestum

in Sorrento

For history lovers and travelers fascinated by ancient civilizations, Paestum is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in southern Italy. Once a thriving Greek colony known as Poseidonia, this ancient city on the plain of the Sele River boasts three magnificent Doric temples that rank among the best-preserved in the world. Walking among their weathered columns, surrounded by fields and distant mountains, feels like stepping into another era — one of gods, philosophers, and sea-faring merchants.

Located about 40 kilometers south of Salerno, Paestum lies within easy reach of the Amalfi Coast yet feels worlds away from its crowds and beaches. Here, you'll find a place where silence, sunlight, and stone combine to evoke the timeless grandeur of classical antiquity. Its vast ruins, amphitheater, and museum offer a deep and immersive experience of Greek and Roman history. For many, Paestum is one of the must-see places in Campania, a destination that combines archaeological wonder with rural Italian charm.

History and Significance of Paestum
Things to See and Do in Paestum
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting Paestum
Where to Stay close to Paestum
Is Paestum Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting
Nearby Attractions to Paestum

History and Significance of Paestum

Founded in the 7th century BCE by Greek settlers from Sybaris, Paestum — originally named Poseidonia — was strategically built on fertile land with access to the sea. Dedicated to Poseidon, the god of the sea, the city prospered through trade and agriculture. Its wealth is reflected in the three grand Doric temples still standing today: the Basilica of Hera, the Temple of Athena, and the Temple of Neptune.

The city later came under Lucanian and then Roman control, eventually adopting the Latin name Paestum. However, its fortunes declined during the 2nd century BCE when new Roman trade routes bypassed it. A series of natural disasters, including earthquakes and flooding from the nearby river, turned the area into malarial marshland, leading to its gradual abandonment. Rediscovered in the 18th century, Paestum became a pilgrimage site for artists and scholars of the Grand Tour, inspiring figures such as Goethe, Shelley, and Piranesi. Today, its ruins stand as one of the top attractions in southern Italy and a vivid reminder of the region's ancient past.

Things to See and Do in Paestum

The three great temples are the heart of the site. The Temple of Hera, dating to around 550 BCE, is the oldest and most massive, with a double row of columns and an open-air altar used for ancient sacrifices. The Temple of Athena (also known as the Temple of Ceres), built around 500 BCE, displays the early blend of Doric and Ionic features. Finally, the Temple of Neptune, constructed circa 450 BCE, is the most intact of all — an awe-inspiring monument that has stood for more than two millennia almost unaltered.

Beyond the temples, Paestum reveals the layout of an ancient city with paved streets, remains of homes, shops, and public buildings. The partially buried amphitheater near the Temple of Athena is one of the oldest in existence, while the National Archaeological Museum of Paestum nearby houses exquisite finds, including the world-famous Tomb of the Diver, a painted burial chamber dating to around 480 BCE. The museum's collection of pottery, sculpture, and frescoes provides valuable insight into the daily life, art, and beliefs of ancient Greeks and Romans who once lived here. This spot is one of the best places to see in Paestum for anyone fascinated by ancient architecture and archaeology.

How to Get There

Paestum is easily reached by car, train, or bus from major cities such as Naples and Salerno. From Salerno, take the A3 motorway toward Battipaglia and follow signs to SS18 and the Paestum exit. The drive takes about 50 minutes. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. From Naples, the journey is around an hour and a half via the same route.

Trains from both Naples and Salerno stop at Stazione di Paestum, a 30-minute ride from Salerno or about 90 minutes from Naples. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy. From the station, it's a pleasant 15-minute walk west through fields to the entrance of the ruins. Buses also connect Salerno and Naples with Paestum, taking roughly one to one and a half hours. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Sorrento on Booking.com. The nearest airport is Naples International Airport, with good transport links to Salerno and Paestum.

Practical Tips on Visiting Paestum

Best time to visit Paestum: Spring and autumn for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Entrance fee in Euros: Around €12 (includes the archaeological site and museum).
Opening hours: Daily 8:30–19:30 (check for seasonal variations).
Official website: www.paestum.museum
How long to spend: 2–3 hours to explore the site and museum thoroughly.
Accessibility: Flat terrain with some uneven surfaces; accessible paths available.
Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, café, and small souvenir shop on-site.
Photography tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon for warm light on the temple stones.
Guided tours: Offered daily in several languages; audio guides also available.
Nearby food options: Local trattorias serve buffalo mozzarella, seafood, and Campanian specialties.

Where to Stay close to Paestum

For comfort near the ruins, Hotel Poseidonia Mare offers elegant rooms and easy access to the archaeological park. Tenuta Duca Marigliano Boutique Hotel combines modern style with a tranquil setting in a restored villa. For a rustic countryside experience, Casale Giancesare provides charming rooms amid vineyards and olive groves.

Is Paestum Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Paestum is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Italy and offers a rare chance to walk among temples that have stood since the dawn of Western civilization. Its setting — surrounded by fields and mountains with the sea in the distance — adds to its timeless beauty. Whether you're drawn by ancient history, Greek architecture, or the romance of ruins, Paestum is one of the top sights in southern Italy and an unforgettable stop on any trip through Campania.

FAQs for Visiting

How old are the temples of Paestum?
They date from roughly 550 to 450 BCE, making them more than 2,400 years old.

Can you go inside the temples?
Access inside is restricted to preserve the structures, but you can walk very close to them.

Is there a museum on-site?
Yes, the National Archaeological Museum of Paestum houses artifacts and frescoes from the site.

How long does it take to explore Paestum?
Plan for at least 2–3 hours to visit both the ruins and museum.

Is Paestum near the Amalfi Coast?
Yes, it's about an hour south of Salerno, making it an easy day trip from Amalfi or Naples.

Nearby Attractions to Paestum

Pompeii – The ancient Roman city preserved in volcanic ash, one of Italy's most famous ruins.
Herculaneum – A smaller, wealthier Roman town also buried by Vesuvius in 79 CE.
Salerno – A lively coastal city with a medieval old town and botanical gardens.
Amalfi Coast – World-renowned for its cliffside villages and scenic drives.
Agropoli – A nearby coastal town with a medieval castle and beautiful beaches.

The Paestum appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Sorrento!

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