Included with Paestum Archaeological Site tickets
Timings
RECOMMENDED DURATION
3 hours
If you’re planning to visit Paestum, two major attractions are the twin Doric temples — the First Temple of Hera Paestum (or, Basilica) and the Second Temple of Hera (or, Neptune). Both of these Greek places of worship are housed inside the Archaeological Park of Paestum. A major tourist attraction, the two temples are the best-surviving examples of ancient Greek architecture. You can now plan your visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site and experience the breathtaking marvel of the Magna Graecia (southern coastal Italy).
Constructed around 550 BCE, the historical significance Temple of Hera I is deeply connected to its patron deity, Hera. The devotion to Hera is evidenced by votive offerings, mainly small terracotta statues of women. Such offerings, along with other relics, were frequently interred in sacred pits in the vicinity of the temple.
The cult dedicated to Hera likely focused on promoting fertility within local communities. Many of those who came to worship were either young women about to be married or individuals praying on behalf of such women. Despite later invasions by the Lucanians and Romans, the worship of Hera remained a vital aspect of local spiritual life, a fact reinforced by the construction of a second temple dedicated to the goddess.
The Temple of Hera II served as a place of worship for Zeus and an unidentified deity. On the eastern side, remnants of two altars - one large and one comparatively smaller - can be seen. Historians also state that the temple might have been initially dedicated to both Hera and Poseidon. This hypothesis is supported by certain votive statues discovered around the larger altar, which seem to indicate this dual dedication.
Two significant temples dedicated to Hera, the Greek goddess of women, marriage, family, and childbirth, were built in what is now known as Paestum Archaeological Park.
The two Tempels of Hera are the best-preserved Greek temples in the world. The first Temple of Hera was built around 550 BCE by the Greek colonists of Poseidonia. The Temple of Hera II was constructed around 460-450 BCE. It is more significant and better preserved than Hera I, representing Doric architecture's pinnacle.
You will find entry tickets to the Temple of Heraonline.
Yes, you can use your Paestum tickets to gain entry to the Temple of Heracomplex.
The two temples were designed & built by Greek settlers from Sybaris, who named the city Poseidonia.
The Temple of Hera was constructed around around 550–525 BCE.
In the Temple of Hera Paestum, you can see the colonnade of columns, the cella, the altar, and the raised foundation inside the temple complex.
At the Temple of Hera, you can appreciate the architectural grandeur of these well-preserved Greek Doric temples, learn about their historical and cultural significance through guided tours, and capture stunning photographs of these ancient structures.
The Temple of Hera remains open from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM (last entry tickets are issued at 6:50 PM).
The Temple of Hera is in the coastal town of Paestum, Italy. It is nestled near the mouth of the Sele River along the Tyrrhenian Coast, in the Campania region.
Unfortunately, the temple of Hera Paestum is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain.
Photography is permitted in the temple complex. So, don’t forget to pack your photography gear. It is recommended to visit the temple in the early hours to catch the sunrise.
There is no particular dress code to visit this temple. It is advisable to wear comfortable clothes as daytime can get pretty warm in Peastum.
Inclusions
2-hour skip-the-line entry to Paestum Archaeological Site
Expert English or Italian-speaking archaeologist guide (as per ticket choice)
National Archaeological Museum visit
Dedicated headsets
Small group under 20
Speedy train rides to the past! Uncover stunning archeological remains at Paestum.
Inclusions
Round-trip train tickets from Napoli Centrale to Paestum
Skip-the-line entry to Paestum
