A slice of Greece...in Italy?

On Thursday, 1 July 2010, at the suggestion of our hostess Rita, we decided to see one of the best examples of Greek architecture outside of Greece, found about 30 klicks from us in Paestum. Paestum has always been shrouded in mystery. It was probably founded around 650 BC by a large group of Dorians who had been expelled from their city. 

The best preserved of the structures is the Temple of Poseiden built to the most important god of seafaring imigrants. The Romans took over this town as the Greeks moved out after an infestation of misquitos (!).

Much of Paestum was destroyed by the 79 AD eruption of Vesuvius and subsequently totally abandoned and not rediscovered until well into the 1700s by chopping down overgrown underbrush and trees. The Temple remains one of the finest Doric examples. Many of thye walls and floors contain intact mosaic pictures are also preserved. Having been to Greece and seen lots of ruins including the Acropolis and I would agree.