Paestum Archaeological Site Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Walk through the ruins of Paestum

Bypass the queues and revel in the joy of exploring the ruins of Paestum with a small group of 20 people during a 2-hour guided tour, where 3 Greek temples await your admiration. While you’re exploring the site, your archaeologist guide will let you in on the history of the ruins in English or Italian according to your preference. Constructed in the 6th century, the Doric temples remain immaculate to this day due to the abandonment of the malaria-prone site until 1968, when it was discovered. Next to one of the temples, you will see an amphitheater, which was one of the earliest to be ever built back in 50 BC. Do not miss the forum, a place that was the hub of political, religious, and social events in the town and the market.

Explore the National Archaeological Museum

On your visit to the National Archaeological Museum, explore the artworks of the Magna Greece, and other important artifacts that were discovered in the town such as funerary, pots, centuries-old frescoes, and ceramics. Greek colonists established the first settlements in the town, which later rose to prominence as the most populated city in Magna Graecia.

Opt for a private tour to experience a customized exploration of the ancient city with a knowledgeable guide, ensuring personal attention throughout the journey while sharing engaging stories and history.

Itinerary

• Arrival at Neptune's temple entrance of the Archaeological Park of Paestum

• Temple of Neptune and Amphitheatre

• Temple of Hera II

• Temple of Athena

• National Archaeological Museum of Paestum

Paestum Archaeological Site Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Discover the ancient city of Paestum on this skip-the-line guided tour that includes a small group setting, dedicated headsets for clear audio guidance, and personalized attention from an expert archaeologist guide. This tour covers over 120 acres of land in the Archaeological Park of Paestum, home to three well-preserved Doric temples—the Temple of Neptune (built around 460 BCE), the Temple of Hera (constructed between 530-500 BCE), and the Temple of Athena (erected around 500 BCE). The tour also explores the forum, amphitheater, markets, and the National Archaeological Museum. Tourists can expect to spend approximately three hours walking through this UNESCO World Heritage site, with skip-the-line access ensuring a seamless experience. Visitors will have the opportunity to see intricate sculptures, learn about early Greek life, and witness the architectural marvels that inspired other ancient structures like the Parthenon in Athens.

Explore Doric Temples at Archaeological Park of Paestum

Your tour stops at the Archaeological Park of Paestum where you will visit three iconic Doric temples dating back to the 6th and 5th centuries BCE. The Temple of Neptune, one of the best-preserved Greek temples in existence, measures approximately 102 feet by 47 feet with a peristyle of six columns on each short side and thirteen on the long sides. Nearby stands the Temple of Hera, constructed between 530-500 BCE, which is slightly older but equally well-maintained at about 98 feet by 41 feet in size. The third temple, dedicated to Athena, was built around 500 BCE and measures approximately 72 feet by 36 feet. These structures are significant not only for their architectural beauty but also for the historical insights they provide into early Greek civilization. Visitors typically spend about an hour exploring these temples, learning from their expert guide about the construction techniques used in ancient times and how these buildings have influenced modern architecture. Unlike other archaeological sites, Paestum's Doric temples are unique due to their excellent state of preservation, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the original grandeur of Greek temple design.

Witness Artistic Treasures at National Archaeological Museum

In addition to exploring the ancient ruins, your tour includes a stop at the National Archaeological Museum where you can see an extensive collection of artifacts and picturesque artworks from Magna Graecia. The museum covers approximately 15,000 square feet and houses items ranging from pottery and sculptures to frescoes and coins that date back over two millennia. Tourists spend around 30 minutes here, examining exhibits such as the famous Tomb of the Diver, a unique example of early Greek painting discovered in 1968. This museum is crucial for understanding the broader context of Paestum within ancient Mediterranean civilizations.

Tour Highlights

• Learn about Early Greeks at Archaeological Park
• Skip lines to visit Doric temples and other landmarks
• Use dedicated headsets in English and Italian languages
• Explore National Archaeological Museum with artwork collection
• Choose personalized private tour for tailored exploration experience
• See well-preserved structures dating back to 530-460 BCE
• Access forum, amphitheater, markets within the park boundaries
• Discover historical insights and architectural marvels throughout site

Perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture buffs, and archaeology students, this skip-the-line guided tour provides a comprehensive exploration of ancient Greek civilization through key landmarks in Paestum. The three-hour format allows you to delve into the Temple of Neptune, explore the Temple of Hera, and understand the significance of the National Archaeological Museum's artifacts, giving you an unparalleled insight into early Greek life while enjoying the historical richness of this UNESCO site.