Temple of Neptune in Paestum, Italy by Patricia Hofmeester

The Temple of Neptune was built around 450 BC and was the largest of the three temples in Paestum. Given the size of the complex, archaeologists in the eighteenth century quickly concluded that the temple must have been dedicated to the god Neptune (Poseidon in Greek). Later studies have shown that the temple was built for the sun god Apollo, but it is also said that this temple was dedicated to the goddess Hera. It is unclear to whom this impressive structure was originally intended. What is certain, however, is that it is one of the best-preserved Greek temples in Europe.

Paestum was an important city in ancient Magna Graecia. It was founded in the seventh century BC by exiles from Sybaris, now known as Sibari in Calabria. With their knowledge and expertise, they succeeded in giving the local economy a significant boost. The three Greek temples that still stand here today serve as a reminder of this period of prosperity. The Greeks called the city Poseidonia, named after the god of the sea. With the arrival of the Romans, it was given the name Paestum, as it is still known on maps today.

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