Calypso Art Hotel Paestum

Bouleiterion

by filip007

Bouleiterion was where the roman senate assembled. Near the forum, it is today overgrown by herbs in a fitting illustration of the passing over of roman republican traditions in the subsequent years.

Temple of Poseidon II

by sandysmith

What I remember most from the guide about this temple was how much the material and space were important to the overall look of the temple. The columns of the porches are of the same dimensions as the columns of the peristyle and aligned with them. If you look at the spaces between the columns you will see the optical illusion of the shape of an amphor or vase - this effect really stuck in my memory!

The Amphitheater

by orlandom

This is the main entrence to The Amphitheater.The Amphitheater is cut in half , the western half ,now national property, has been excavated and may be visited . The eastern half lies partly under the modern road and partly under privatly -owned land. The construction was carried out in 2 phases .1st phases was squared-off limestone blocks forming a monument of modest size in the 1st century BC . The Brick pillares erected outside to enlarge the building belong to the seconde phase 1 st century AD

Paestum's Temples

by sandysmith

"Greek Gems in Italy"

Thanks to Sim1's page I knew about these marvellously preserved temples. So when I knew a trip was possible here on our recent italian holiday I jumped at the chance.

The ancient city of Paestum is just a few miles south of Salerno - a good couple of hours drive from our base in Scala (we took an organised tour) but it was well worth it and we got some stunning views of the Amalfi coast - as well as a good laugh at the driving on the renowned narrow Amalfi coast road.

There are 3 temples to admire - in better preservation than many of those in Greece:
The southernmost of the temples, the Basilica, was built about 530 B.C., with the Temple of Poseidon dating from about 460 B.C. The third, farther north...is the Temple of Ceres (Athena), from about 510 B.C.

Many other ruins of a roman town are also clearly evident and the museum has some marvellous exhibits too from the temples.