Three remarkably preserved ancient Greek temples dating from 600-450 BC, older than Rome's Colosseum by centuries. The Temple of Neptune is the most perfectly preserved Doric temple in existence. Combine with the exceptional on-site museum and a mozzarella di bufala lunch from nearby farms.
Paestum lies about 90 km south of Naples in the Cilento area of Campania, Italy, and is reached in roughly 1.5 hours by Trenitalia regional train from Naples Centrale to Paestum station (around €15 return), from where the archaeological park is a short walk. Founded by Greek colonists as Poseidonia around 600 BC, the site preserves three of the best-surviving Doric temples anywhere, predating Rome's Colosseum by centuries. The vast Temple of Neptune (Hera II, around 460 BC) is the most complete, its honey-coloured limestone columns standing almost intact; alongside are the older Temple of Hera (the 'Basilica', around 550 BC) and, at the northern end, the Temple of Athena. Between them stretch the Roman forum, amphitheatre and grid of streets, all walkable on largely flat ground. A natural one-day arc starts in the morning before the heat: walk the three temples and the central archaeological zone, then cross to the excellent on-site National Archaeological Museum, whose treasure is the Tomb of the Diver (around 470 BC), the only surviving example of Greek figurative wall painting from this period, along with painted Lucanian tombs and bronze vases. The temples and museum together comfortably fill three to four hours. Paestum sits in the heart of buffalo-mozzarella country, so a lunch of mozzarella di bufala campana DOP, made at farms (caseifici) along the surrounding plain, is the classic local stop, with several agriturismi and trattorias near the site. The park is open and exposed with little shade, so spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are ideal, and an early arrival means cooler, quieter temples and softer light for photographs. Comfortable shoes, water and sun protection make the visit easier, and the compact layout keeps walking distances modest compared with a sprawling site like Pompeii.
Highlights
- Temple of Neptune (460 BC)
- Temple of Hera (550 BC)
- Tomb of the Diver painting in museum
- Fresh buffalo mozzarella nearby
Tips for visiting
- Take the Trenitalia regional train from Naples Centrale to Paestum station, about 1.5 hours, then walk a few minutes to the park entrance.
- Buy the combined ticket covering both the archaeological park and the museum; the Tomb of the Diver inside the museum is the highlight.
- Arrive early to walk the exposed temples before midday heat and tour buses arrive.
- Build in a mozzarella di bufala lunch at a local caseificio or agriturismo, the regional speciality.
- Bring water, a hat and sunscreen, as there is little shade among the temples.
- Check return train times in advance, as services to Naples can be infrequent in the afternoon.
When to visit
Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) bring mild weather and thinner crowds; arrive early in the day for cooler temperatures and soft light on the temples.
Accessibility
The archaeological park is largely flat with mostly compacted gravel and grass paths, making the temple area more manageable for wheelchair users than many ancient sites, though surfaces are uneven in places. The museum is accessible by lift and ramp.
Frequently asked questions
How old are the Paestum temples?
They date from roughly 600-450 BC, built by Greek colonists. The Temple of Neptune (around 460 BC) and Temple of Hera (around 550 BC) are older than Rome's Colosseum by centuries.
How do visitors reach Paestum from Naples?
Take a Trenitalia regional train from Naples Centrale to Paestum station, about 1.5 hours and roughly €15 return, then walk a short distance to the archaeological park.
Is the museum worth visiting?
Yes. The on-site National Archaeological Museum holds the famous Tomb of the Diver fresco and painted Lucanian tombs, and is included in the combined ticket.
What is there to eat nearby?
The plain around Paestum is the home of buffalo mozzarella, so a lunch of mozzarella di bufala campana DOP at a nearby farm or trattoria is the classic choice.