Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Archaeological Sites & Ruins

Paestum

Paestum, Italy

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST RUINS & SITES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 77 2026
Paestum

A Greek city site in the Cilento region of southern Italy, with ruins set among green fields. Visitors walk the open-air park past the temples, forum, amphitheatre and town walls.

Highlights

  • Three Doric temples
  • Temple of Hera
  • Tomb of the Diver

Good to know

  • Entrance ticket costs €15 per person
  • Allow two to four hours, plus rest
  • Little shade, so bring water and a hat

Also in Italy

  1. Pompeii N° 50 Pompeii Pompei Ancient city
  2. Selinunte N° 65 Selinunte Castelvetrano Ancient city
  3. Hadrian’s Villa N° 66 Hadrian’s Villa Tivoli Ruin
  4. Ancient Theatre of Taormina N° 92 Ancient Theatre of Taormina Taormina Amphitheatre or theatre
  5. Ostia Antica N° 94 Ostia Antica Ostia Ancient city
  6. Nuraghe Arrubiu N° 98 Nuraghe Arrubiu Orroli Ruin