Paestum Excursion

During this trip to Paestum, you will explore the Temple of Hera I, Hera II, and the Temple of Athena, three remarkable examples of Doric architecture from Ancient Greece.

Excursion to Paestum

Your journey begins with a minibus pick-up from your hotel in Palinuro, as we set off towards the archaeological park of Paestum. Here, a fascinating tour awaits, featuring three impressive Doric temples devoted to the goddesses Hera and Athena.

Upon arrival at the archaeological site, we will delve into the rich history of this stunning city known as Magna Graecia. Originally established as Poseidonia, it was later renamed Paistom by the Lucanians and eventually Paestum by the Romans. After an overview of the park, our first stop will be the Temple of Hera I, recognized as the oldest structure among the three and notable for its unique enneastyle façade. This temple was constructed around 550 BC.

Next, we will discover the largest temple in the park: the Temple of Neptune, frequently referred to as the Temple of Hera II. The correct deity to whom this temple is dedicated remains a topic of scholarly debate. The prevailing theory suggests it may be dedicated to Hera, Zeus, or Apollo, while the identification with Neptune has been considered a misconception from earlier studies. Following this, we will proceed to the Temple of Athena, the smallest of the three, distinguished by a blend of Doric and Ionic columns.

After completing our exploration of the archaeological area, which received designation as a World Heritage Site in 1988, we will then visit the park museum. This museum holds an extensive collection of artifacts discovered in the vicinity of Paestum, giving us a chance to view remarkable grave goods from the Greek and Lucanian necropolis, as well as intricate vases, weapons, and ornate tomb slabs.

We will highlight our museum experience with the stunning frescoes from the Tomb of the Diver. This exceptional artwork serves as a remarkable example of classical Greek painting and reflects the cultural transition from life to the afterlife.

After an enriching afternoon exploring the historical and artistic treasures of Paestum, we will wrap up our excursion and return you to your hotel in Palinuro.