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Amalfi Coast Italy |
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Paestum |
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 With
its impressive and solemn churches and its splendidly preserved walls, Paestum is one of the most famous and
important archaeological sites in Italy. The ruins of Paestum include the
walls, four majestic and well-preserved temples, other religious buildings,
the amphitheatre and the Via Sacra, in addition to other minor remains. |
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 The Basilica, the conventional name
which in actual fact indicates a temple dedicated to Hera (the main divinity of Paestum)
is an arcaic building which scholars have dated to the years immediately following 550
B.C. The so-called Temple of Neptune (or Poseidon) was in fact dedicated to Hera Argiva,
goddess of maternity and fertility, as shown by the large number of small statues, vases
and other objects found in the votive offerings of the building. |
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 In the sacred area between the two temples dedicated to Hera a number of small religious
buildings and altars also came to light, certainly dedicated to the same divinity. Many
Roman buildings have been found in the surrounding area, in particular a Patrician house
and pool with, in the large open space of the Forum, remains of inns, meat market
buildings, a temple dating back to the third century A.D. spas and shops.Along the northern side of the Forum stands the so-called Italic Temple, built after 273 B.C., which was probably the Capitolium, i.e. the temple dedicated to Jupiter, Juno and Minerva. |
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The
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To the west of the area of the temples and of the Forum, runs the Via Sacra, a wide paved
road on which the religious processions passed. Along the road we can find a sacred
enclosure inside of which, excavated in the rock, an underground votive chapel has been
found, interpreted by scholars as a religious building or a cenotaph.
GETTING
THERE By Train Paestum is within easy reach of Salerno, an hour away. Both buses and
trains service the route. You can catch a southbound train, which departs Salerno with a
stop at Paestum about every 2 hours. For schedules, call 089252200 in Salerno. A one-way
fare is 4.200L ($2.50), and the journey takes an hour.
