SOLARIS HOTEL PAESTUM

Paestum is a country in the Cilento National Park and Vallo di Diano, a fraction of Capaccio, located in the Piana del Sele, near the coast, in the Gulf of Salerno. The village has been inhabited since prehistoric times; in addition to the Necropolis of Gaudo, we have evidence also referable to the Paleolithic and Neolithic age. The Greeks, after securing a fortified outpost near the sea, founded around 600 BC a city called Poseidonia in honor of the sea god. The Poseidonites built a shrine at the same time (Heraion) just north of the mouth of the Sele. The magnificence of this colony soon attracted the Lucani, Italic population of the interior, which occupied it around 400 BC, changing its name in Paistom. But other power was expanding along the peninsula: Rome. Having become unchallenged mistress of these regions, in 273 BC he founded a Latin colony and gave the city the name Paestum. The Romans enriched the city of great buildings, including the Porch of the Forum, the Baths, the Amphitheater and the so-called Temple of Peace. The visit of Paestum gives deep emotions: it is impressive to see the majestic Doric temples, especially if admired in the sunset light, which gives this place an even more magical atmosphere. The Doric temples that dominate Paestum, immersed in the silent Piana del Sele, are three: the Basilica, the Temple of Neptune and the Temple of Ceres. The Basilica, perhaps built in the 6th century BC, is the oldest monument. Although without a roof and pediment, it rises solemnly with all the columns of the portico. In front of the temple are the remains of the sacrificial altar. The largest, most beautiful and best preserved temple is the one dedicated to Neptune: the material used for construction is the local travertine, which seems to absorb sunlight. The golden color, in fact, is more or less intense depending on the light that hits it with greater or lesser intensity. The Temple of Ceres has a portico consisting of 34 columns. In the archaeological area, along with many other ruins, are visible the walls of the Greek city, which wind up for about 5000 meters and the remains of some Roman-era houses. Of great importance is also the Museum, where the material found in the excavations was collected: tools, vases, statuettes, capitals, painted tombstones and beautiful matopes. Paestum was inhabited until about 500 BC; subsequently advancing the marshes and, consequently, malaria, decreed their death. But thanks to the bush and the unhealthy environment, the causes of its end, that these grandiose ruins have come to us, save from destruction and looting.