Let’s discover Paestum
Paestum, located an hour away from the beautiful Amalfi Coast, is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Italy. Once its was a prosperous settlement of the ancient Greeks, who called it Poseidonia in honour of Poseidon. The town has long been a destination for lovers of history and culture. Let’s find out what to see and what to do in Paestum.
Things to see in Paestum
1) The archaeological park of Paestum
The town’s great attraction is its well-preserved archaeological park. Here, you can explore the ruins of the ancient Greek city, which includes:
- three Greek temples dating back to about 500 BC: the Temple of Hera (Juno), the Temple of Neptune (Poseidon) and the Basilica.
- a well-preserved amphitheater,
- tombs,
- a forum.
These impressive structures provide insight into architecture from Ancient Greece and show how advanced these civilizations were.
2) The archaeological museum of Paestum
The archaeological museum houses more than 2,000 artifacts from the excavation sites in the area that date back to the 6th century BC. These objects include sculptures, ceramics and coins of Ancient Greece, as well as tools used by the early settlers. The museum also has an extensive library of books relating to the history of Paestum and its surrounding area. It is definitely the right place to learn about the history of Paestum, and its famous figures such as Pytheas and Heraclitus.
3) The saracen tower
The saracen tower is one of the oldest and most impressive monuments in town. Dating back to the 10th century, it stands 30 meters high and was used to defend the city against Saracen invasions. You can now climb up to the top for magnificent views over Paestum.
What to do in Paestum?
1) Take a stroll through the town centre
The town itself isn’t without its own attractions either. For example, you can admire the views from La Rocca di Paestum, visit the nearby Sanctuary of Our Lady of Garnet, or walk through one of the many beautiful parks scattered around town.
2) Enjoy local cuisine
After exploring the town, visitors can relax in one of the many picturesque cafes that line the streets. There are also plenty of restaurants serving local delicacies such as focaccia and limoncello.
3) Go to the beach
In addition to its historical significance, Paestum also offers plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy nature. With miles of beautiful beaches and the stunning scenery of the coastline, it’s easy to see why this area is so popular. You can take advantage of a variety of activities such as swimming, kayaking, sailing and more. For sure, you should explore nearby beaches such as Foce di Licosa or La Secca di Castellabate where you can soak up some sun and admire the Mediterranean Sea.
4) Participate in festivals
Paestum also hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Paestum Wine Fest.
As you can see, from archaeological parks to charming cafes, in Paestum there is something here for everyone. Whether you are looking to learn more about Ancient Greek civilization or simply relax with some delicious local delicacies, the town will not disappoint you. So don’t miss out on this incredible destination – it’s waiting for you!
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