About the Paestum Excursion (from Naples) Walk in Naples
Skirting a coastal plain in the southern Campanian region of the Cilento, the archaeological site of Paestum is a testament to the ancient Greek influence over southern Italy. This period of mass migration, starting in the 8th century B.C., earned this part of the country the name “Magna Graecia” and infused Greek ideals, beliefs and practices to those of the native Italian tribes. The city of Paestum, originally dubbed “Poseidonia” by the Greek settlers, attests to the artistic and engineering prowess of the colonists- most visible in three majestic temples that celebrate the Olympian gods and goddesses. These temples will be the focal point of our exploration of this enigmatic city.
Our day will begin at the train station in Naples where you will meet your docent, usually an archaeologist or classical historian, and head out to Paestum by local train. During the ride, we will discuss the origins, growth and decline of the city, which was all but abandoned after the fall of the Roman
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Skirting a coastal plain in the southern Campanian region of the Cilento, the archaeological site of Paestum is a testament to the ancient Greek influence over southern Italy. This period of mass migration, starting in the 8th century B.C., earned this part of the country the name “Magna Graecia” and infused Greek ideals, beliefs and practices to those of the native Italian tribes. The city of Paestum, originally dubbed “Poseidonia” by the Greek settlers, attests to the artistic and engineering prowess of the colonists- most visible in three majestic temples that celebrate the Olympian gods and goddesses. These temples will be the focal point of our exploration of this enigmatic city.
Our day will begin at the train station in Naples where you will meet your docent, usually an archaeologist or classical historian, and head out to Paestum by local train. During the ride, we will discuss the origins, growth and decline of the city, which was all but abandoned after the fall of the Roman Empire in the West, and set up a socio-historical context that will help us better understand our surroundings later on in the day.
Upon reaching the site, we will spend roughly three hours exploring the grounds and discussing the fabric of the ancient city, which includes a forum, a Basilica and intact city walls. The imposing temples, which dominate the horizontal landscape, are classic examples of Greek order and balance. The group will then spend some time in the museum, where immaculately preserved tomb paintings (such as “the Diver”), votive offerings and funerary furnishings speak to the religious views of the populace.
In comparison to the more highly-visited archaeological sites of Campania, Paestum offers a reflective respite from the crowds and a more intense appreciation of an ancient culture whose artistic endeavors speak to the enduring power of the spirit.
