Italy
Paestum

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    • Day 13,545

      156 - Paestum

      October 7, 2016 in Italy ⋅ 🌧 17 °C

      Ein Reisetag mit Besichtigungsprogramm: obwohl für heute Regen angesagt war, erreichen wir trockenen Fußes Paestum. 600 v. Chr. wurde die griechische Stadt unter dem Namen Poseidonia gegründet. Drei gut erhaltene dorische Tempel, geweiht Hera, Athene und Poseidon, zeugen noch von dieser Epoche. Zum Ende haben wir Glück und es kommt tatsächlich noch mal die Sonne raus.

      Auch das zugehörige Museum ist sehr sehenswert. Es zeigt eine bedeutende Sammlung griechischer Altertümer aus Unteritalien, in der Hauptsache Grabfunde aus griechischen und lukanischen Nekropolen. Neben den üblichen griechischen Tontöpfen und einigen Waffen finden sich ausgesprochen gut erhaltene Malereien auf und in Sarkophagen, wie zum Beispiel der berühmte Taucher, der den Übergang vom Leben in das Reich der Toten als Sprung ins Wasser darstellt.

      Das Welterbe trägt den griffigen Namen "Nationalpark Cilento und Vallo di Diano mit den Archäologischen Stätten von Paestum und Velia und der Kartause von Padula". Paestum ist nur eine von vielen Stätten dieses Weltkulturerbes.
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    • Day 91

      Paestum

      June 23, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

      Up early so to try to avoid worst of the day time heat but was already 26 degs at 7:30am! Train journey uneventful but not sure why we bought tickets no one checked them. Temples were very impressive. As were other ruins at the site. On return train journey no one checked tickets either I am glad they only us €4 each return!Read more

    • Day 4

      Die griechischen Tempel von Paestum,

      October 5, 2020 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

      Wenn man in der Gegend von Salerno ist, sollte man unbedingt die griechischen Tempel in Paestum besuchen. Sie sind 2500 Jahre alt, z.T.in sehr gutem Zustand und genau so sehenswert wie die Akropolis in Athen.
      Die Stadtmauer hat eine Länge von 5km und ist fast vollständig erhalten.
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    • Day 37

      Paestum

      November 7, 2021 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

      Nach den letzten zwei, drei nassen und kalten Tagen in den Bergen der Basilikata freuen wir uns über ein bisschen Sonne und Wärme in Paestum, wir sollten es möglichst genießen den für morgen und evtl. auch übermorgen ist schon wieder Regen und und schlechtes Wetter angesagt.Read more

    • Day 44

      Parco Archeologico di Paestum

      October 12, 2018 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

      After dropping off our bags we made our way to Parco Archeologico di Paestum, the site of three large temples dating from about 550 to 450BC. It was amazing seeing the huge temples in the distance as we walked towards them. They are in such great condition and have been well preserved. The whole ancient city of Paestum covers an area of approximately 120 hectares, but only the 25 hectares that contain the three main temples and the other main buildings have been excavated.

      The oldest of the three temples is the Temple of Hera, begun in about 560BC. It is the only Greek temple dating to a period of crucial importance to the formation of Greek architecture to have been preserved in such good condition. Seeing it standing out against the green grass and blue sky, it is a very striking structure.

      The largest of the temples, and the best preserved, is the Temple of Neptune, built in about the mid fifth century BC. The amazing thing is the construction as it is built of enormous blocks held together with simple dowels, without the use of mortar, enabling the building to withstand earthquakes and other natural calamities.

      What was even more amazing is that we were able to climb the ancient, and very tall, stairs and stand inside this structure, and just be in awe of the size and strength of the building. It just blows your mind to think we are standing were people stood before Christ. The only disappointing part about it was the group of youths taking selfies and making fun of other tourists in there. They would not move to allow other people to take photos of the temple. Very ignorant and they did dampen our experience.

      Next to the Temple of Neptune is the Temple of Athena. While not is as good condition as the Temple of Neptune, it is still amazing to see the large structure still so well preserved and the view of the three temples is very impressive.

      Other structures in the park are the remains of Roman Forum, the amphitheatre, even the main street of the Roman city. We could walk amongst the remains of the walls of their homes, assembly spaces and baths. The sense of history provokes such a feeling of awe and we explored the site for some time, just soaking it all in.

      Even though the park was shut at night-time, we wandered back after dinner to take some photos of the temples lit up. They look just as impressive in the dark. While this stop was off the beaten track on not really on our way to our next stop, I am so glad we made the detour to see this impressive part of history.
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    • Day 44

      Il Granaio dei Casabella, Paestum

      October 12, 2018 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

      After a fabulous couple of days in Amalfi it was time to hit the road again, or in this case the ferry, to Salerno. From Salerno we picked up our hire car and made our way to Paestum, once a major ancient Greek city on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The ruins of Paestum are famous for their three ancient Greek temples, dating from about 600 to 450BC, which are in a very good state of preservation, and the reason Paestum is on our agenda.

      This part of Italy is very different to the other regions we have driven through. It is much flatter, less cared for, and not as pretty as some of the drives we have been on. There seems to be a lot of farming areas and parts of it had a real abandoned feel to it. Other than the prostitutes sat on their plastic chairs in the middle of nowhere, there weren’t a lot of people or cars around. It was an eye-opening drive, one that made me glad we pay taxes at home.

      Paestum itself looked like a resort town, and not a cheap one either, which was surprising considering the area we had driven through. It has a lush expensive feel to it. However, we weren’t staying here for the beaches, so we stayed closer to the Archaeological Park. We are staying at Il Granaio dei Casabella, a restored farm turned into a country hotel, only a six-minute walk from the Temple of Athena. The property is beautiful, inside and out with the only downfall being the many, many stairs we have to climb to our room. Being that it is off season and there aren’t many people staying here, we are surprised to be given the furthest room on the top floor. Oh, and the fact their website states there is a restaurant onsite and they completely deny that this is a restaurant or that it states it on their site. Very odd. And once again I had booked a bit further out of town with the belief there would be lunch and dinner options at the hotel. Luckily, we managed to get some lunch near the Archaeological Park, and dinner at a very cute restaurant just up the road from where we are staying.

      While the staff weren’t overly friendly and the internet was bad, the place itself was beautiful. The grounds were luscious and green, overflowing with flowers and plants, and there was even a tower room covered in ivy. Inside was just as grand, with well-appointed living-rooms that were very inviting. And the location to the Archaeological Park meant we could park the car and walk. It was a lovely place to stay. Thankfully breakfast was included and it was delicious!! So much variety and there was even a staff member on hand just to make our coffees.

      Despite some of our negatives, we would stay here again. It would be lovely to stay in the Springtime to see the gardens in full bloom.
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    • Day 24

      Paestum

      March 28, 2019 in Italy ⋅ 🌬 13 °C

      Dernière étape en Campanie avant la route pour la Sicile : Paestum
      Nous avons été profondément impressionnés par les temples grecs monumentaux âgés de 2600 ans.
      Dix jours passés dans cette région particulièrement riche et variée, et nous aurions pu en consacrer plus mais la Sicile nous appelle !Read more

    • Day 58

      Paestum: A Blast from the Past...um.

      October 31, 2017 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 13 °C

      Slept in a bit but still made it to Paestum for around 2pm. Half an hour train ride - was surprisingly full, presumably due to it being All Saints Day tomorrow, so many Italians travelling for the holiday?

      Nothing at the Paestum station, so headed down a country road to get to the site. Grabbed a calzone and freshly squeezed orange juice, before stopping at the museum to buy a combined entry and audioguide. Quickly checked out the museum then into the archaeological site itself.

      Paestum has a crazy long history - with settlements dating as far back as the Paleolithic period. It was conquered by the Greeks who called it Poseidonia (dedicated to the god of the sea). Then the local Lucanians took over and called it Paistos, before ultimately the Romans came to power - renaming it Paestum. Was interesting to see the changes in buildings when the Romans took charge and renamed the town. Eventually the town was abandoned in the early Middle Ages (as Salerno became the hub for activity) - it remained forgotten until the 18th century when some road workers found it by accident.

      Not as well preserved as Pompeii but really enjoyable, in a different way. More like rubble in most places, but the three temples were stunning. And you could just walk around and on the ruins unattended. Not many other people there - didn't see any other Anglo tourists the whole day!

      The Temple of Neptune was quite impressive - although it was actually likely to have been dedicated to Apollo or Zeus (but the 18th century archaeologists named it after the god of the sea and the name stuck).

      The museum was also quite interesting if a little disorganised. They found tombs just south of Paestum, and the painted slabs were really interesting (the most famous being "the diver" who may be metaphorically diving from death to afterlife).

      Also there were some tombs discovered during the war by the Allies. In contrast to Pompeii (where parts were damaged during bombing by the Allies), the ruins at Paestum were left untouched. But while laying an airfield, these tombs were found, so a British engineer and head of the army archaeological corps excavated them (apparently rather well). Cool.

      Then took train back to Salerno. Nipped home for warmer clothing before going on to Vicolo della Neve for dinner. Spotted lots of people (mainly the kids) all dressed up for Halloween. Streets very busy for the occasion. Arrived at restaurant for 7.00pm only to find that it didn't open until 7.30pm. Note - most places here open around this time or later for dinner, which we're still adjusting to! So browsed cute store nearby and got our souvenirs before heading back.

      The meal was a simple fare of bean pasta (the only pasta on the menu) and main of assorted vegetables. Simple but so delicious! Great recommendation from our host.

      Then strolled on to Bar Nettuno once again for brioche and ice cream. Yum!
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    You might also know this place by the following names:

    Paestum, Пестум, Ποσειδωνία, Պեստում, パエストゥム, პესტუმი, 帕埃斯图姆

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