Paestum

The ancient Greco-Roman city of Paestum was first settled by Greek colonists in the 6th century BC. It was later occupied by Lucanians, Romans and Christians. Malarial swamps led to the abandonment of the city in the 9th century AD, but also helped preserve the ancient city's finest artefacts. Today, Paestum boasts three well-preserved Doric Greek temples, ruins of ancient houses and a museum of Greek artefacts. 2,500 years after they were first built, the temples of Ceres, Neptune and Hera are relatively intact and are some of the best-preserved temples of their age found anywhere in the world. The fascinating Paestum Museum has sculptures, tomb paintings and many more items and displays, all of which have been found on site.