The names of the City
by sandysmith
Paestum is the Roman name of the city. The original Greek name was Poseidonia.
Poseidonia means the city was dedicated to Poseidon (Neptune), and Poseidon regularly appears on coins issued by the city, but no temple or sanctuary dedicated to Poseidon has been found.
Only a fraction of the original extension of the city has been excavated, just around the ancient city centre with the temples and public buildings. The major parts of the area is privately owned and thus cannot be examined - perhaps the temple to Poseidon is located in here?
Detail of the temple of Neptune
by sim1
In this last picture of the temples I want to show you a detail of the Temple of Neptune.
Paestum is a place that you have to see with your own eyes to believe it. Three of these magnificent temples in a row, wow, I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it!
The Paestum Diver
by Jetgirly
The most famous image found at the site, The Paestum Diver was recovered from the inside lid of a sarcophagus. The image represents diving willingly from life to death, in order to acquire more knowledge. Apparently. The five decorated surfaces from the well-preserved sarcophagus can be seen in the museum.
Please note that this image was taken without the flash from my camera. Flash photography can damage (through fading) sensitive artwork!
Greek Monuments in Italy/Paestum
by painterdave
"Paestum"
The ruins of Paestum allows the visitor to view temples built before the Roman times and also the foundations of the houses and shops along the via. If you go in the Fall of Spring the crowds will be smaller and you can sit and enjoy the structures without so many people getting in the way of your photos.
I recommend a good guide book that you can pick up in the many souvenir shops at the entrance.
The beaches near here are very nice for swimming, and you can also find good lodging in the nearby agritourismos.
Sign in with Facebook
Ruins of Poseidonia
Lizards that Crawl up Your Pants!
Temple of Heres at Night
Temple of Ceres 2
