On my bucket list for decades, I finally made it to Paestum, this fascinating place where Greeks/Romans built/overtook some very important temples that are still extant!

In July of this year (2026), I was visiting a friend in nearby Irpinia and he took me to see Paestum. Here are some of my pictures of that fascinating site.

This post is dedicated to the first structure: The Temple of Apollo. In an upcoming post, I will discuss the history of this place, which was originally Greek colony, known as Poseidonia, named after the sea god.

But for now, let’s take a look at this mesmerizing ancient structure, which despite its losses, stands proudly and quietly proclaiming the excellence of the Greeks who first colonized this locale around 600 BCE.

I am going to tell you the honest truth! As an art historian, I have taught college survey courses of world art history and lectured about this temple, but I have never had time before to research the site. I actually thought that the Temple of Athena was the entire site!

But wait, there’s a LOT more!

I’ll show you more soon! It’s vast and important!