Paestum

Paestum, ancient city of Campania south of Salerno, was one of the main centers of Ancient Greece.

Around 600 a. C., Greek colonists from Sybaris founded it giving it the name of Poseidon (Poseidon, god of the sea) and built the great sanctuary of Hera in the north, at the mouth of the river Sele. In 273 a. C. the Romans established a colony, changing the name of the city with the current one, starting a long and gradual period of decline for the city that ended with his final abandonment in 'VIII century. The city, which is known the full extent, was only partially excavated through archaeological excavations. To the north is the Temple of Athena (once believed the Temple of Ceres) of 500 a. C. At the center extends the public area: sull'Agorà the Greek city faced the Ecclesiasterion (building for the meetings of the Assembly) and a landmark building shaped shrine. The Roman city had its forum here instead, with the rally, the temple of the Capitoline Triad and the basilica. To the south was located the great urban sanctuary of Hera, with two magnificent temples dedicated to the goddess, the "Basilica" and one called "Neptune". The two temples, along with that of Athena, is an exceptional complex, even for the excellent condition of the buildings, and are among the best examples of the Doric order in the West. Near the city you can see the remains of the sanctuary of Hera (Heraion), one of the most important Greek sanctuaries in Italy-

The entire archaeological area is under UNESCO protection.