L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024 www.italoamericano.org 10 L'Italo-Americano N e s t l e d i n t h e C a m p a n i a r e g i o n o f southern Italy, Paestum is a treasure trove of ancient his- tory. Visitors are stunned to w i t n e s s t h e a n c i e n t c i t y ' s a r c h i t e c t u r e a n d s e r e n e landscapes. This once-thriv- ing Greek city, founded in the 6th century BC, before the Roman Republic, offers v i s i t o r s a u n i q u e g l i m p s e into the past with its well- p r e s e r v e d t e m p l e s , r i c h archaeological museum, and beautiful surroundings. Our journey to Paestum began with a scenic drive from Mugnano del Cardi- nale, a quaint town in the p r o v i n c e o f A v e l l i n o . T h e town was where my father w a s b o r n a n d r a i s e d : w e p a s s e d t h r o u g h t h e p i c - turesque countryside dotted with olive groves and vine- yards, a true embodiment of the country's Magna Grae- c i a c u l t u r e . A f t e r a l i t t l e more than an hour's drive, our breath was taken away as we saw the first sight of the grand temples rising against the clear blue sky. It reminded me of when I was much younger and wit- n e s s e d t h e t w i l i g h t s u n reflecting off the temple's pillars. At fourteen years old, I experienced the beauty of the Ancient Greek temples. I visited the site a few times as an adult and vowed to take my family one day. I wanted to keep reliving a part of the world that takes you back in time without the hordes of tourists milling around. Paestum predates Ancient Rome and has magnificent structures that stand as a m e m e n t o o f t h e s k i l l a n d artistry of the ancient Greeks w h o o n c e i n h a b i t e d t h i s area. Some even say the tem- p l e s a r e b e t t e r p r e s e r v e d than the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. The site is renowned for its three major Doric tem- p l e s , d e d i c a t e d t o H e r a , A t h e n a , a n d P o s e i d o n . Indeed, walking through the archaeological park, we mar- v e l e d a t t h e T e m p l e o f H e r a , a l s o k n o w n a s t h e B a s i l i c a , w i t h i t s s t r o n g c o l u m n s a n d h a r m o n i o u s p r o p o r t i o n s . N e a r b y , t h e Temple of Neptune (or Poseidon) is the largest and best-preserved of the three, a m a s t e r p i e c e s h o w i n g t h e grandeur and sophistication of ancient Greek architec- t u r e . T h e T e m p l e o f Athena, perched on a slight hill, offered a different per- spective with its blend of Doric and Ionic styles. Before visiting Paestum's ruins, it is recommended to v i s i t t h e a r c h a e o l o g i c a l m u s e u m . T h e P a e s t u m Museum houses a remark- able collection of artifacts, including the famous fres- coes from the Tomb of the Diver, which depict scenes of a symposium and a diver plunging into the sea – a rare example of Greek paint- ing that has survived to the present day. This work of art can even be found on sou- venirs. Another interesting item you can buy at the museum is a perfume inspired by this beautiful location and its history. Long ago, Paestum was adorned by roses. As visitors walk through the ruins, there is evidence of perfumery or bottega dei profumi. There is an intact round block of marble with a spout at the end where the l i q u i d c o l l e c t e d f r o m t h e p r e s s t h a t c r e a t e d r o s e - scented fragrances, popular a m o n g A n c i e n t R o m a n women from the elite class. Virgil even explained Paes- tum's technique for cultivat- ing roses. UNESCO declared the area a World Heritage Site i n 1 9 8 8 . A r c h e o l o g i s t s believe only 20% of Paes- t u m ' s r u i n s h a v e b e e n uncovered. Part of the rea- son for its incomplete dis- covery is that Pompeii and Herculaneum, located about a 4 0 - m i n u t e d r i v e a w a y , have overshadowed it, but t h i s a n c i e n t G r e e k c i t y ' s unpopularity among tourists is what makes it really spec- tacular. Strolling through the ancient streets of Paes- tum, we could almost hear the echoes of the past. The w e l l - p l a n n e d c i t y l a y o u t , with its grid of streets and p u b l i c s p a c e s , s p o k e o f a highly organized society. We explored the ruins of resi- d e n t i a l b u i l d i n g s , p u b l i c baths, and the agora, imag- ining the bustling life that once filled these spaces. The ancient walls surrounding t h e c i t y , s t i l l s t a n d i n g i n many places, offered a sense of protection and continuity through the ages. It is the o n l y a n c i e n t r u i n i n t h e world where there is a Greek forum and a Roman forum that follows. After a day of exploration, we took some time to enjoy the modern charm of Paes- t u m . T h e r e a r e n e a r b y b e a c h e s , w i t h t h e i r s o f t s a n d s a n d c r y s t a l - c l e a r waters, providing a perfect spot to relax and bathe in t h e T y r r h e n i a n S e a . W e opted instead, to have our afternoon pranzo meal by indulging in the local cui- sine, savoring fresh moz- zarella di bufala, a specialty of the region, and other deli- c i o u s I t a l i a n d i s h e s a t a charming trattoria. Our driver, Bruno, recom- m e n d e d T e m p i o A z i e n d a Agricola, which is a buffalo farm. Visitors may schedule a visit to witness the process of how mozzarella di bufala is made. I had the buffalo m e a t s a u c e p a i r e d w i t h f r e s h l y m a d e p a s t a a n d accompanied by a delicious red wine from the Campania region. The family-oriented place also has a playground f o r c h i l d r e n a f e w y a r d s away from the buffalo farm. It is a great way for parents to relax and take in the palm trees and rugged mountains after a delicious meal. Our trip to Paestum was a journey through time, which offered a profound connec- tion to the ancient world w h i l e a l s o a l l o w i n g u s t o appreciate the natural beau- ty and contemporary culture of the area. The awe-inspir- ing temples, the museum, a n d t h e p e a c e f u l m o d e r n surroundings made for an unforgettable travel experi- ence. Paestum is a true por- tal to a long-gone era, which invites travelers to explore, reflect, and be inspired by its legacy. The experience will m a k e y o u f e e l a s i f y o u s t e p p e d o u t o f I t a l y a n d went on a brief journey to Greece. ALFONSO GUERRIERO Paestum, Italy's Greek capital ALL AROUND ITALY TRAVEL TIPS DESTINATIONS ACTIVITIES Doric columns at Paestum. Bottom right, a bottle of perfume made with local flowers and sold in Paestum. Photo courtesy of Alfonso Guerriero

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