Originally posted on July 7, 2012 by Canicus

Paestum

Paestum was a Greek colony dating back to the 6th century B.C., before Rome became a Republic and when it was still an insignificant town to the north. It has several temples, one of which is one of the best preserved anywhere in the world.

Getting there is quite easy by train from Naples, although it is somewhat problematic discovering what train you need to take and at which stop you need to get off. It is clearly labeled Paestum, but you may not be able to see the sign from the train.

It is a pleasant walk of about 500 meters (about five football fields) from the train station to the archeological site. There is a modern street running along the edge of the site. You probably could see most of the things of interest from this street. Entry to the site itself requires a ticket which, curiously, is not sold at the entrances. For that you have to visit the Museum which seems to be carefully hidden on the other side of the street in the midst of abundant souvenir shops and restaurants.

One of the confusing things about planning this has to do with a variety of railroads in this area. There is a Circumvenusian railroad which goes to Herculaneum, Pompeii and Stabiae. That railroad also runs on the other side of Mount Vesuvius and, if you are feeling ambitious and athletic, goes part way up the mountain where you can get off and climb to the top. You cannot use a Eurail Pass on this railroad. You have to buy tickets at Stazione Garibaldi, which is in the lower level of Napoli Centrale, the main train station. That railroad does not go to Paestum. To go to Paestum you have to board a train at Napoli Centrale that goes to Solerno. (Paestum is beyond Solerno, but the signs at the station don’t indicate this.) You can use a Eurail Pass for this trip. If you don’t have a spare Eurail Day, you have to buy tickets at the station. If you do that be sure to also buy the ticket BACK to Naples, as they don’t sell tickets at Paestum.

On the train, both ways, I saw people swimming in the Bay of Naples. Looks like fun on a July day.

But Paestum is an interesting sight to visit and is apparently becoming more popular.

Canicus Modius.