Paestum for Greek Temples in Italy

by The Travel Italy Grapevine Team

While staying in Laceno we decided to meander down the coast a little further south to explore Paestum for Greek Temples in Italy.

Few people know it, but these are the best preserved Greek temples outside of Greece. Visiting the temples is quite an experience, even more so when you realize that you virtually have the place to yourself, as these tourist attractions in Italy are virtually unknown.

So when you travel Italy the next time, take time out to visit Paestum and see not only the 3 Greek temples that are there, but also the old public baths and amphitheater. These Greek ruins were once part of the City of Poseidon during the 6th century BC and after it was abandoned in the 9th century due to malaria and a Saracen assault these ruins weren't discovered again until the 18th century.

When we visited Paestum we spent the morning exploring the 3 Greek temples and the other ruins in the grounds, and spent a leisurely picnic lunch in the shadow of a temple, while sitting under an umbrella pine. Just being able to sit and take in the majestic beauty of these temples while having our humble lunch was a memorable experience that resulted in Paestum being notched up as being one of our most enjoyable places to visit in Italy.