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.
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.
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.
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.
Also near the Via Sacra the Temple dedicated to Athena, stands
traditionally known as that of Ceres. Built around the sixth century
B.C., it is one of the most prized examples of Greek architecture in
Italy.
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.
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.
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.