Hotel Poseidonia Mare

Decline and Re-discovery

by sandysmith

The city declined due to swamps taking over and destroying the arable land around. The natural springs around were highly calciferous and the towns drainage channels became clogged with calcium deposits eventually turning the city into a swamp.
Malaria became a big problem and killed many, the city was eventually abandoned.
Knowledge of the temples was not lost but interest was only re-kindled in the 1800's when Pompei was discovered. The unhealthy environment discouraged visitors and it was not until the 20th century that proper excavations began.
I'm glad they did this is such an amazing site.

The Ekklesiasterion

by orlandom

The Ekklesiasterion was unearted 20 years ago.This is where all the adult male citizens,those entitled to participate in political life got togeather.(ekklesia) means assembly. The ekklesiasterion is 35 m by 9m . and could contain 1500 people. This monument was constructed in about 480 bc

Thanks for visting my Paestum page

Paleo-Christian Church

by Jetgirly

Across the street from the archaeological site at Paestum lies a Paleo-Christian Church dating back to the 5th century. Known as the Chiesa della SS Annunziata, it was transformed from an open basilica to a closed basilica as times changed. Doors are always open and admission is free. Inside it is dark and gloomy: you feel as though you've stepped back in time to an era where there was no electricity or heating!

Paestum - Magna Graecia

by filip007

"Ruins of Poseidonia"

The wonderfully preserved temples and excavated remains of the town recall the ancient glory of Poseidonia, a town founded around 600BC by greek colons and that was part of Magna Graecia (Grand Greece) - colonies encompassing southern Italy, Sicily, parts of Spain and southern France.

After roman conquest, it was renamed Paestum and remained an important port, but later was abandoned due to malaria, sarrasin raids, only to be rediscovered in the end of 18th century, its temples still proudly standing.

A sight not to be missed when in southern Italy...