Paestum

Most of the ancient Greek/Roman city has not been excavated yet. Three magnificent Greek temples, dating back to the colonization of Magna Graecia (Southern Italy), around the seventh century BC, are preserved together with other Greek and Roman ruins. The construction of the three temples is dated between 550 and 450 BC. Besides the three Greek temples, the site has an ancient gymnasium, amphitheater, city wall and tower ruins, and plenty of Roman house wall ruins. Adjacent to the main entrance to the archaeological area is a modern Archaeological Museum, displaying excavated items such as statues, vases, metalwork, and painted grave stones. The site has been a tourist attraction for centuries. It was a common destination on the Grand Tour of the 17th to 19th centuries, as an example of the Ancient Greek heritage. In these times, in fact, Greece was part of the Ottoman Empire .

Paestum has its own railway station, directly east of the ancient city walls, on the Naples–Salerno–Reggio Calabria line (regional trains from Salerno toward Sapri stop here, about a 1km walk from the archaeological park). By road, it lies just off the SS18, south of Salerno.

The archaeological site is walked on foot; the small modern town around it is compact.

Paestum's three Doric temples, dating from roughly 550–450 BC, are the site's centerpiece: the so-called "Basilica" (Temple of Hera I, the oldest), the "Temple of Neptune/Poseidon" (Temple of Hera II), and the "Temple of Ceres" (actually dedicated to Athena) — traditional 18th–19th-century names that don't always match the temples' actual dedications, which remain debated by archaeologists. Beyond the temples, the site includes an ancient gymnasium, an amphitheater, city walls and towers, and extensive Roman-era house ruins, much of which remains unexcavated. The adjacent Archaeological Museum displays finds from the site, including the famous Tomb of the Diver frescoes, statues, vases, and painted grave stones.

Touring the archaeological park and museum is the primary activity; the surrounding area is also known for mozzarella di bufala production, a Campania specialty associated with this part of the coast.

Buffalo mozzarella from local producers is the characteristic purchase in the Paestum area.

The Cilento coast, including Agropoli and Santa Maria di Castellabate, lies just south, and Salerno is a short trip north.