Day Trip to Paestum Italy 2024 – Ancient Greek Temples

The Paestum Archaeological Park (Parco Archeologico di Paestum) in Paestum Italy, is one of the finest examples of preserved Greek temples in all of Italy. So, if you are wondering if a day trip to Paestum Italy is worth it, without hesitation, the answer is YES!

This is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Italy’s Campania region. It is approximately 1 ½ hour south of Napoli (Naples). We have visited Paestum Italy several times over the years and each time we are in awe of the blend of antiquities with nature.

Paestum is a great day trip to see the ancient Greek temples.

In this guide we will give you what to see while visiting the park, when the park is open, how to purchase tickets, how to get there, tour options, and more. Let’s get started!

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Day Trip to Paestum Italy 2024 – Ancient Greek Temples – What to See

For some historical context, the Greeks founded the city in the 7th century BC, originally naming it Poseidonia. When later conquered by the Romans, the name was changed to Paestum.

Due to its proximity to the Tyrrhenian Sea, the area experienced flooding and marsh formations. The city was abandoned during the Middle Ages and remained so until its rediscovery in the 18th century. Amazingly the ancient Greek temples were still intact. This is the unique feature of the park – the three Greek temples in Paestum Italy.

1. Temple of Hera (Heraion or Basilica)

The Temple of Hera, also known as the Heraion or Basilica, is one of the oldest and most well-preserved Doric temples in the world. Dedicated to the goddess Hera, the temple dates back to the 6th century BCE.

Temple of Hera is the oldest and most well-preserved doric temples in the world. — *Temple of Hera I*

This temple is wider than most Greek temples. But it follows the classic Doric architectural style with nine columns on the facades and eighteen on the longer sides. It housed various artifacts and sculptures which are now in the Museum.

And the best part, you can walk into and through this temple. A truly amazing experience.

2. Temple of Hera II (Neptune or Poseidon)

Also known as the Temple of Neptune or Poseidon, this Doric temple is devoted to the god of the sea. Slightly younger (450 BC) than the Temple of Hera, it highlights the advanced architectural skills of the ancient Greeks. Its design is based on the Temple of Zeus in Olympia.

Temple of Hera II, in the doric style, has 6 columns on the facade and 14 along the long side of the structure. — *Temple of Hera II*

The temple follows more of a transitional Doric architectural style with six columns on the facades and fourteen on the longer sides. It features a more intricate design compared to the Temple of Hera. It has a similar Doric style with fewer columns but boasts a higher level of decoration, including detailed metopes and triglyphs.

You can walk through and around this temple too.

3. Temple of Athena (or Ceres)

The Temple of Athena, frequently associated with the goddess Ceres, stands as the smallest among the three primary temples in Paestum. This Doric temple, featuring Ionic elements, dates back to around 500 BC. Constructed on the highest point north of the city center, it holds a prominent position in the city.

Temple of Athena is the smallest of the temples in Paestum. — *Temple of Athena*

This temple follows a similar architectural style to the others, with a pronaos (porch), cella (main chamber), and opisthodomos (rear porch). It has six columns on the façade and thirteen on the longer side.

Special Note: On September 9, 1943, Paestum became the landing site for the U.S. 36th Infantry Division during the Allied invasion of Italy. The battle between the German and the US forces lasted nine days, with the Germans eventually retreating to the north. To avoid damage, both sides agreed not to bomb the temples, so the Allied forces established Red Cross first aid tents in and around them.

4. Roman Amphitheater

In addition to the temples, Paestum features a well-preserved Roman amphitheater dating from the 3rd century BCE. It reflects the influence of Roman architecture in the region during later periods.

The Roman amphitheater in Paestum was built in the 3rd century BC. — *Roman Amphitheater*

The amphitheater as well as other Roman ruins, are located between Temple Athena to the north and Temple Hera’s I and II to the south. This would have been the center of Roman life.

Between the Temple Athena and the Temples Hera I and II, are Roman ruins from the ancient city of Paestum.

The Via Sacre, made of limestone blocks, is the north to south street in ancient Paestum. You will walk along this street while visiting the archaeological sites.

5. Archaeological Museum of Paestum

While not a temple, the Archaeological Museum adjacent to the park is essential for understanding the history of Paestum Italy. In late 2023, the Museum reopened after renovations.

It houses a remarkable collection of Greek, Lucanian and Roman artifacts, including sculptures, pottery, and tomb paintings. The most famous is the Tomb of the Diver, a fresco painted on the top slab of a tomb from the 5^th century BC.

6. Chiesa Della SS Annunziata (Basilica Paleocristiana dell’Annunziata)

This small Romanesque church, located in the Paestum Archaeological Park, dates back to the 5th century AD. Many people overlook it, but I recommend visiting it after you have seen the temples.

The Romanesque Chiesa della SS Annunziata was built in the 5th century AD and is next to the Museum. — *Altar in the Chiesa della SS Annunziata*

It is next to the Archaeological Museum. They used stone from the Paestum archaeological site to construct the chapel.

When is the Paestum Italy Archaeological Park and Museum Open

The Paestum Archaeological Park and Museum have summer, fall and winter hours as follows:

From April through August, the opening hours are 8:30 am to 19:30 (7:30 pm), with the last ticket issued at 18:50 (6:50 pm).
For September through March, the park opens at 8:30 am, and closing hours vary based on daylight. Please check the Paestum website for specific closing hours.
On the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month, the Museum opens at 8:30 am and closes at 13:40 (1:40 pm), with the last ticket issued at 13:00 (1:00 pm).
Closed on December 25 and January 1.

I visited Paestum in the summer and the fall. During the summer, it is best to visit during a weekday to avoid the crowds on the weekend. The park is wide open with little shade, so during the hot summer days, wear a hat, use sun lotion, and bring water. In addition, it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking along stone paths.

Tickets for the Paestum Archaeological Park and Museum

You can buy tickets and audio guides at the Archaeological Museum or at the ticket office located at Porta Principale, in front of Temple Hera II. The ticket office provides a storage room for backpacks and luggage, along with restroom facilities. Additionally, tickets are available for online purchase and remain valid for 3 days.

Please note: the Paestum website is temperamental – sometimes it connects and sometimes it does not – just letting you know in advance.

You can purchase tickets for the Archaeological Park and Museum together or separately if you prefer to visit only the Museum or only the Park. Please refer to the Paestum website for current ticket prices.

I have been to Paestum Italy several times over the years, and I have always purchased my tickets onsite without any long delays to entry into the park. Plan on spending several hours visiting the park.

How to Get to Paestum Italy

You can reach Paestum via car or train. I have done both. With a car, you have the freedom to come and go as you please. With a train, you do not need to worry about traffic, directions, or parking. So, depending on where you come from, the choice is yours.

By Car

Address: Via Magna Graecia, 919, 84047 Capaccio SA, Italy

Click on the Google Maps for directions to Paestum Italy. There are several free parking areas surrounding the archaeological site. If you need to rent a car while in Italy, I recommend using Discover Cars.

By Train

If you are traveling from Napoli, the ride is about 1.5 hours, from Salerno about 30 minutes. From the south of Italy, the ride from San Nicola Arcella (Scalea – S. Domenica Talao station) is 2 hours or less depending on the train line service.

Regional and InterCity train lines, operating from early morning until late at night, provide service to Paestum. The station’s name is “Paestum – Stazione”.

When leaving the station, head west along Via Porta Sirena. The entrance to the Paestum Archaeological Museum and Park is 1km (0.6 miles) from the station through the Porta Sirena gate.

We walked along the road to the Paestum archaeological park, and it is a pleasant, flat walk.

Tours of Paestum Italy Archaeological Park and Museum

If you want to take a tour of the park, the only tour offered is a free guided tour in Italian called “The Argonauts Footpath: a Walk from Temples to Sea”. It is available on the first Sunday of every month at 10:30am. You can get the free ticket from the Museum ticket office.

There are several independent tours available for your visit to Paestum. Below are some options that you may consider.

Where to Eat and Shop

Along the Via Magna Grecia, there are several souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants. If you are hungry or need a café or gelato, this area is perfect for a break.

There are several places to eat or have a coffee while visiting the Paestum Archaeological Park.

We have eaten lunch here with a wonderful view of the temples in the background. If you like buffalo mozzarella, then this is the area for you. There are local farms in Paestum that make the mozzarella!

My Trip Planning Resources

These are the companies that I use when planning our trips:

– Flights: WayAway
– Hotel Reservations: Booking.com & Hotels.com
– Vacation Rentals: VRBO
– Portable Wi-Fi: Ryoko Pro
– Rental Cars: DiscoverCars.com
– Train Tickets: Rail Europe
– Tours: Viator, Get Your Guide and GuruWalk
– Travel Insurance: VisitorsCoverage
– Airport Lounge Access Program: Priority Pass

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Final Thoughts: Day Trip to Paestum Italy 2024 – Ancient Greek Temples

This is a place where you will say WOW. Out of nowhere, there are 3 huge temples completely intact, in an open field with lots of stone ruins mixed in. I expected to see these structures in Greece, not Italy. It is a fascinating journey into the ancient world and is well worth making a day trip to see this remarkable site.

If you would like assistance in planning your visit to Paestum Italy, we would be happy to help. Please refer to our Travel Planning services for further information or send us an email.

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