Paestum was founded as “Poseidonia” by Greek colonists, who arrived here with their ships from the city of Sibari in Calabria around 600 BC.Previously the area was inhabited by indigenous groups. The relations between them and the Greeks are still unclear, we hope to have more information from the new excavations that will be carried out in Paestum and in the surrounding area.In the second half of the seventh century. BC, the Greeks settled in a fortress on a rock overlooking the sea, in today’s Agropoli, south of Paestum. There they built a temple for Poseidon.
Around 600 BC they moved to the plain and founded Poseidonia-Paestum, on the left bank of the Sele river. Since their arrival, the settlers took care to divide the spaces: the living quarters were clearly distinguished by a large central strip intended for public functions. The latter, in turn, was divided into three areas: those to the north and south, dedicated to the deities, where we can still admire the three majestic Doric temples today; the central one, reserved for political and commercial activities (agora). The agora, that is the main square of the Greek city, was its beating heart. The south side of this open space, in Roman times, was chosen to host the Forum. Two symbolic monuments of the political image of the city were built on the agora. The first, defined as “heroon”, is a chamber structure partially excavated in the rock around 520 BC. C. and built in honor of the mythical founding hero of the colony. The building was respected by the Lucanians, while the Romans, upon their arrival, built a rectangular enclosure, visible today, and covered it with earth, putting an end to the cult. Inside, an exceptional set was found, preserved in the Archaeological Museum. The second building, the circular ekklesiasterion, was built around 480 BC. C. to accommodate male citizens who gathered to discuss political issues.

Our tours in Pestum are: 1) Archaeological Park of Paestum, 2) National Archaeological Museum of Paestum., 3) The Temple of Neptune or Poseidon or of Hera , 4) Temple of Athena, 5) Roman Amphitheater of Paestum, 6) Church of SS. Annunziata.