The Magnificent Archaeological Park of Paestum, Italy

Archaeological Park of Paestum, Italy

Archaeological Park of Paestum, Italy

Hello Friends!  Our very first Tavola Tours culinary and cultural adventure was to the Campania region of Italy.  Prior to finalizing the trip, I spent several days in the area of Paestum.  This area of Italy is a great reminder that southern Italy was once part of the magnificent Magna Graecia (Great Greece) from the 8th to 5th centuries BC.  At the Archaeological Park of Paestum, you can take a big step back in time as you walk around the well-preserved grounds and marvel at three majestic Greek temples.

I learned a very interesting fact about these temples and the role they played during the Second World War and I want to share it with you.  Paestum was one of the locations of the Allied beach landings of Italy.  These regiments set up Red Cross first aid tents in, and around, the area of the temples since the archeological park was deemed off-limits to bombing.

The Allied invasion of Paestum, Italy.

The Allied invasion of Paestum, Italy.

I found this to be very interesting and maybe you will too.  It places an entirely more modern and very humbling perspective on the whole experience while walking the grounds of this ancient park.  Furthermore, this World War 2 story helps people to further understand the great sacrifices that took place in and around the Paestum area during the Allied invasion of Italy.  If ever you find yourself in this area of Campania a visit to the Archeological Park of Paestum is a must.

Please have a look at the video below to view the mighty Greek temples and the beautifully kept grounds of this open-air museum known as the Archeological Park of Paestum, Italy.