Paestum

About

Founded by the Greeks in 600 BC, the city was conquered by the Romans in 273 BC. However, the fall of the Empire, malaria outbreaks, and raids by the Saracens eventually forced the population to abandon the city. Today, the archaeological site is home to three of the world’s best-preserved Greek temples, most notably the large Temple of Hera, which was once thought to be dedicated to Neptune. The Temple of Ceres, which is actually dedicated to the Athena, was transformed into a Christian church in the middle ages, and still houses three tombs. The museum is filled with smaller and more delicate archaeological finds, including ceramics, daily paraphernalia, and even frescoes such as the iconic Tomb of the Diver funerary fresco.