Official Information
Official site: https://parchipaestumvelia.cultura.gov.it
Official tickets: See ticketing details and the 3-day combined pass via the official Info Biglietti/ticketing pages.
Address: Via Magna Grecia 919, 84047 Paestum SA, Italy (Paestum archaeological site and museum)
Map: View on Google Maps
Opening Hours
The archaeological areas and museum are generally open daily, with hours that vary by season. Combined tickets allow a single entry to each site within three consecutive days. Always check the official website for current closing times and last-entry details, as these are precisely stated and may change for holidays or maintenance.
The Archaeological Park of Paestum and Velia offers an immersive journey into the world of Magna Graecia, ancient Greek colonies in southern Italy. At Paestum, three outstanding Doric temples, among the best preserved in the Mediterranean, stand in a wide, open landscape, bordered by traces of city walls. Paths lead close to the temples dedicated to Hera and Athena, offering sweeping views and chances to appreciate differences in Greek architecture. Scattered remains of homes, a forum, and civic buildings hint at daily life in a once-bustling city. The site’s museum is essential for context, displaying votive offerings, metopes, and the renowned painted slabs from local tombs, including the haunting “Tomb of the Diver” fresco, a rare example of ancient Greek funerary painting. Clear bilingual labels help trace the region’s Greek and later Lucanian history. The ticket also covers ancient Velia (Elea), a quieter hilltop site famous for its philosophical heritage, with evocative ruins and a scenic outlook over the sea. The three-day combined ticket encourages relaxed exploration, Paestum at sunset, the museum in a quieter morning, or Velia when weather and time allow. With open terrain and distances between sites, comfortable shoes, water, and sun protection are essential. The official website features up-to-date information on opening times, shuttles, and any temporary site closures for conservation work.