Basilica

Paestum


The so-called basilica (a temple to the goddess Hera) is Paestum’s oldest surviving monument. Dating from the middle of the 6th century BC, it’s a magnificent sight, with nine columns across and 18 along the sides. Ask someone to take your photo next to one of the columns: it’s a good way to appreciate the scale.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Paestum attractions

1. Tempio di Nettuno

0.04 MILES

Dating from about 450 BC, the limestone Tempio di Nettuno is the largest and best preserved of Paestum's trio of temples; only parts of its inside walls…

2. Paestum's Temples

0.24 MILES

Very different to Pompeii, Paestum’s ruins are smaller, older, more Greek and – crucially – a lot less overrun. Consequently, it is possible to steal some…

3. Museo di Paestum

0.3 MILES

Facing the east side of the ruins, the Museo di Paestum houses a collection of much-weathered metopes (bas-relief friezes). Among these are originals from…

4. Tempio di Cerere

0.36 MILES

Tempio di Cerere (6th century BC) was originally dedicated to Athena and served as a Christian church in medieval times.

5. Tenuta Vannulo

2.1 MILES

The first organic producer of bufala (water-buffalo) milk, Tenuta Vannulo is a 10-minute drive from Paestum. It makes its mozzarella exclusively from…

6. Il Castello

4.65 MILES

Built by the Byzantines in the 5th century, the castle was strengthened during the Angevin period, the time of the War of the Vespers, which was initially…

7. Trentova-Tresino

5.53 MILES

Those frustrated by the dearth of well-marked hiking trails in the Parco Nazionale del Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni should pay a visit to this mini…

8. Castello dell'Abate

10.07 MILES

Approached from its coastal sidekick, Santa Maria di Castellabate, the summit of Castellabate is marked by the broad Belvedere di San Costabile, from…

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