The three glorious temples at Paestrum are the most important Greek monuments south of Naples. The town was founded in the sixth century BC, and being near the coast, was named Poseidonia, in honour of Poseidon, the god of the sea. By the first century BC it had become an important Roman trading port, but was abandoned because of the decline of the Empire, Saracen raids and outbreaks of malaria. The temples were not rediscovered until the twentieth century, and today, they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Temples of Ceres is the smallest, and the first you come to before strolling through the ruined city, which has several other buildings to explore. The Basilica, dedicated to the goddess Hera, is the oldest monument, with nine Doric columns along the front and 18 along the ides. The Temple of Neptune which dates from around 450 BC, is both the best preserved and the largest of the three temples, missing only its roof and some of its interior walls.
The museum contains many finds from both the town and the temples - bas-relief friezes, tomb paintings and treasures, including the diver's tomb, a marvelous example of fifth-century BC art. If you should find in southern Italy, make the effort to visit Paestrum for the rewards are great.
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