Archaeological Park of Paestum — Attraction in Capaccio Paestum

If history and archaeological wonders are your passion, then a visit to the ancient site of Paestum in Italy should be at the top of your travel itinerary. Nestled in the heart of Campania, just under an hour's drive south of Salerno, Paestum is a treasure trove of antiquity that will transport you to a bygone era. The Treasures of Paestum Paestum is renowned for its three Greek temples, each a stunning example of architectural prowess and timeless beauty. These temples, dedicated to the goddesses Hera, Athena, and Neptune, are amongst the finest-preserved remnants of ancient Greek civilization. Their grandeur and allure are nothing short of breathtaking, allowing visitors to step back in time and envision the ceremonies and rituals that once took place within their hallowed walls. A Glimpse into the Past Paestum's historical significance goes beyond its temples. It is also home to an exquisite museum housing unique burial paintings from the 5th century BC. These ancient frescoes offer a rare and intimate glimpse into the lives and beliefs of those who lived in this ancient city. Among these treasures, the iconic "Tomba del tuffatore" (Tomb of the Diver) fresco stands as a testament to the artistic and cultural richness of this era. A World Heritage Site Paestum's cultural importance has not gone unnoticed. It has earned the prestigious designation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition is well-deserved, as Paestum boasts one of Europe's most exceptional archaeological zones. Its temples are celebrated as some of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples in the world, and its museum houses an array of millennia-old artifacts, including ceramics and daily life items that offer a vivid picture of life in antiquity. From Poseidonia to Paestum The history of Paestum dates back over 2600 years when it was known as Poseidonia, founded by Greek colonists around 600 BC. Abandoned for centuries, this once-thriving city now stands as an archaeological marvel, a testament to the enduring legacy of Magna Graecia. It is a place where 2600 years of history and mythology come to life, where the echoes of ancient rituals and the brilliance of ancient artistry still resonate in the...

I leave with such mixed feelings as I really wanted to enjoy this place. The temples are stunning from a distance but I can't help but feel duped by the low quality of the site. At every turn, you can't help but to imagine life in ancient times. And yet you are left to imagine, as the site is very worn down with minimal images to evoke your imagination.

Beyond the temples, wildflowers and grass have completely overtaken the site so foundations are barely visible. Signs try to educate about the purpose of various buildings but nothing in the buildings indicates what they were used for (except perhaps for a perfumery that had a recently poured concrete tub to indicate how perfume was made).

Even if the grasses were mowed, most buildings are only 2 feet tall and seem to have been minimally restored with foreign materials covered with corroding cement (red brick clearly not from nearby is a prominent base layer where old concrete restoration attempts have cracked away). You can't help but wonder if the temples themselves also are made of red brick covered with concrete.

Many similar UNESCO sites acknowledge mistakes with earlier attempted restorations in earlier years but no explanation is given here about their poor restoration work using red bricks and ancient-looking concrete. It feels like they're hoping people won't notice and will leave happy but ignorant. The site takes in substantial amounts of money through entrance fees yet it seems that none of the funds are going towards maintenance, excavation (there was one overgrown abandoned dig site), or thoughtful refurbishment.

I don't usually include feedback on staff (my star rating is not based on staff) but thought it would be helpful here. There are no staff or guides inside the gates. The ones at the gates were extremely unhelpful with any knowledge (clearly no passion for this site) and rude regarding the ticket purchasing process.

I'm glad I came here as I enjoy ancient architecture (and loved the nearby Tenuta Duca Marigliano Boutique Hotel and its restaurant) but am not sure that I would ever return inside...

FANTASTIC. well organised and - thank you to really friendly and helpful staff. Crazy that Italy has so much of note that this isn't more talked about. The temples are huge and mesmerising! The trees beautiful. Check seasonal updates but if you want to avoid horrendously hot hours there are often evening hours from 8-11pm but note that it's a different ticket (so you can't use the family one you booked ahead online for example if you were to decide to do this) but tbh, it's well worth going in regular hours, when the included museum is open, (outside the site gates, a different entrance). The artwork on inside of tombs is in amazing condition. Really atmospheric. We found 17.00 a good time to arrive, without feeling rushed and SOME breeze. Ps our dog could come in the site too, for the museum either the udual 'take it turns with dog outside' or in, our case, he was allowed in his doggy pushchair. (Sorry but re sister site Velia, included in the Paestum ticket and next to where we were staying, they did not have clear info on their website. We were there for opening at 9, the coolest option, but we gave up after being waiting 45 mins for them to form a group, being told at the desk that we were obliged to go round with a guide. Not only would we have had to wait who knows how much longer, the tour was expected to last 1hr 45.. Tbh we'd seen all we wanted to see from the gate while sweltering in the heat, having hoped for a quick peak in on our way to the beach and couldn't face a slow tour round ruins in what was going to end at 12.00! Understandable they wanted to protect the Archiological site but wish they'd not left misleading info on the website. But did learn,...