Temple of Hera, Paestum

The Temple of Hera spans 24 by 54 meters with nine columns on each front and eighteen columns on the sides, forming a peripteral structure.

Construction of the temple began around 550 BCE during the Greek colonial period, when Paestum was known as Poseidonia in Magna Graecia.

The temple received its alternate name 'Basilica' in the 18th century when archaeologists initially misidentified its function due to missing upper sections.

The temple maintains all fifty original columns intact, making it accessible for architectural studies of ancient Greek construction techniques and proportions.

The column capitals feature distinctive decorative elements, including lotus flowers and rosettes, which set them apart from other Doric temples.

Location: Capaccio Paestum

Architectural style: Doric order

Length: 50.3 m

Width: 24.5 m

Address: Via Magna Grecia, 919

GPS coordinates: 40.41929,15.00528

Latest update: May 27, 2025 13:21