Capaccio Paestum
Home to one of southern Italy’s most significant archaeological sites, this Campanian town preserves three remarkably intact Doric temples and the remains of a substantial ancient Greek settlement.
At a glance
Capaccio Paestum is a municipality in the province of Salerno that takes its name from the ancient Greek city of Paestum, which once flourished on the Tyrrhenian coast. The town received the official title of city by presidential decree in December 2013. The archaeological park that dominates the landscape contains extraordinary vestiges of Magna Graecia, the Greek-settled regions of southern Italy.
History
Paestum was established as a major Greek colony in Magna Graecia around the 7th century BC and flourished until the Roman period. The three surviving temples date from approximately 600 to 450 BC, representing successive phases of monumental construction. The site was eventually abandoned and fell into obscurity before its rediscovery in the 18th century, when it became recognized as one of the most complete examples of ancient Greek urban life outside Greece itself.
What you see
The archaeological park showcases three temples in the Doric order, distinguished by their massive stone columns and classical proportions. The city walls remain largely intact, offering a sense of the settlement’s original extent and defensive infrastructure. An amphitheatre, sections of paved roads, and foundation walls of numerous structures provide insight into daily life and urban planning. A modern national museum on site displays artifacts recovered from Paestum and the neighboring Greek sanctuary at Foce del Sele, enriching understanding of the settlement’s material culture and religious practices.
Cultural significance
Paestum stands as one of the finest surviving examples of Greek colonial architecture in the Mediterranean world. The preservation of its temples—particularly in the Doric style—offers invaluable evidence of Greek construction techniques and aesthetic principles during the Archaic and Classical periods. The site remains a cornerstone for understanding Magna Graecia and the transmission of Greek culture to the Italian peninsula.
Key facts
- Address: Via Vittorio Emanuele, 84047 Capaccio Paestum
- Coordinates: 40.4222497, 15.0818471
- Phone: 0828.812111
- Official website: https://www.comune.capaccio.sa.it/
- City status: Granted by presidential decree, December 3, 2013
Practical information
The archaeological park is open to the public and includes a modern national museum displaying finds from Paestum and the Foce del Sele site. For current opening hours and admission prices, consult the official municipal website or contact the number above.
Getting there
Capaccio Paestum lies in the province of Salerno, Campania, on the Tyrrhenian coast south of Naples. The site is accessible by road and rail connections from major regional centers.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
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