Paestum

Paestum is home to three of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples in the world, set within a large archaeological park in southern Campania. The site also features a superb museum with unique painted Greek tomb frescoes.

Things to do

• Visit the Temple of Neptune — This Doric temple from the 5th century BC is one of the most complete Greek temples still standing.
• Explore the National Museum of Paestum — The museum houses the famous Tomb of the Diver fresco and exceptional Greek painted pottery.
• Walk the ancient city walls — Parts of the original Greek-Roman city walls are still intact and walkable around the perimeter.
• Tour the Roman Forum ruins — Overlapping Greek and Roman layers reveal the city's centuries of continuous occupation.
• Visit a local buffalo mozzarella farm — The Paestum plains are Italy's prime mozzarella di bufala region; farm visits offer tastings and production tours.

Food to try

• Fresh mozzarella di bufala — Made from local water buffalo milk, eaten fresh the same morning it is produced for peak flavor.
• Burrata campana — A creamy variant of mozzarella with a soft, buttery interior, served with olive oil and bread.
• Carciofi alla giudia — Artichokes from the Paestum area are renowned; here they are fried crispy in the Roman-Jewish style.
• Ricotta di bufala — Silky buffalo ricotta eaten with honey or on pasta, richer and creamier than cow's milk versions.

Local customs & good to know

• Combine site and museum visits — The ruins and museum together tell the full story; skipping either leaves the experience incomplete.
• Visit outside peak summer — The open plain site offers little shade and summer heat can be intense; spring or autumn is far more comfortable.
• Support local producers — Buy mozzarella directly from local caseifici (dairies) rather than supermarkets for authentic quality.