Paestum

Paestum is one of the most evocative archaeological sites involving the Greek civilization in the whole of Italy. It is located around 100 kilometers (62 miles) South of Naples, in the administrative district of Capaccio. The ancient city was founded in around 600 BCE by Greek colonists and it prospered until the fall of the Roman Empire. The city's ruins were discovered in 1752 when Charles III of Bourbon ordered a road to be built between Campania and Calabria. The archaeological park contains what remains of the Roman city. The so-called Basilica is really a temple dedicated to Hera, built around 550 BCE. The Temple of Neptune was built in 450 BCE. The Temple of Ceres is situated on the highest point of the city and is often attributed to Athena. The city also includes the Via Sacra, the forum, the Amphitheatre, some public buildings, and the Tempio Italico.