Paestum
Bergamo, Italy

 

 

Why
Paestum
is special

It boasts three of the best-preserved Doric temples in the world. They stand  majestically, despite being about 2,500 years old.

Pronunciation

Visitors frequently
mispronounce Paestum

The correct pronunciation is:

 Pest'm

Paestum's
celebrated temples

The big three

Apollo (see photo)
Also named the Temple of Neptune (Poseidon). This is the best preserved of the three monuments.
Ceres
Also known as the Temple of Athena.
Hera
Also called the Basilica. It is the oldest of three structures.

How Paestum compares
with Pompeii & Herculaneum

Similar but different

Sightseeing pros & cons
Paestum lacks the interesting city street scenes of Pompeii and Herculaneum, but outshines them with its imposing temples
Damage by Vesuvius
Paestum was less affected than Pompeii and Herculaneum (also both Hillman Wonders) by the famous Mt. Vesuvius eruption of 79 AD.

Paestum - Page two

Other major ruins

History in brief

Italian Government Tourist Board

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