Paestum

Paestum is an often overlooked archaeological site in the southern Amalfi Coast. To say it's breathtaking isn't an overstatement. Paestum is located just south of Salerno.  The Greek temples are so massive, and in such good condition, it's staggering to know how old they are and that they're still standing. It's proof of the architectural genius of the Greeks. It's such a beautiful setting, as well, with a backdrop of mountains and fields and trees surrounding the ruins.  It is made up of 10 hectares of land that houses 3 temples and remnants of a city.

We visited the museum they have onsite and the boys were very interested in the primitive tools on display. The museum ran video to show you how the tools would have been constructed and then the actual artifact on display.

The Greeks founded the place in 6^th century BC and called it Poseidonia and then later changed it to Paestum.

We walked through the ruins which don’t have any real restricted areas.  At a glance, the houses look like rubble, with just the outline of the foundations showing, but upon closer look, you will see intricate mosaic tile floorings in many of the houses, and you can really get a feel that people lived there that took pride in the aesthetics of their homes.

Paestum boasts three of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples anywhere, including Greece itself (or Turkey, for that matter). The temples of Ceres (more properly, Athena), Poseidon, and Hera are all Doric in style and in remarkably good shape. In addition, Paestum also has remnants of the Roman settlement, including a well-preserved main road (no one built roads like the Romans). 


We came back home for dinner and were joined by the family from Wales for a few nightcaps while the boys played together. The boys said their goodbyes and exchanged email addresses.


Next stop, ROMA !