There is a place where the history of Magna Graecia meets the blue of the sea and the red of fiery sunsets, where the golden beaches are dotted with the white of wild lilies, where the scent of the pine forest accompanies, with the sound of cicadas, the placid summer afternoons. This place is Paestum, the gateway to Cilento, where the days stretch slowly, while the nights are concentrated, immersed in vitality and beauty.
Paestum (Capaccio)
The municipality of Capaccio Paestum, in the province of Salerno, is a large geographic area, comprising several hamlets, each characterised by distinctive features. Paestum is the Capaccio hamlet that hosts the large and famous archaeological area and is located within the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, in the Sele River Plain. Not far from the ancient area is the hamlet of Laura, the one that hosts the coastline characterised by a very long and wide strip of fine, golden sand that stretches as far as the eye can see. Behind the beach is the pine forest, a green lung with an intense and characteristic scent. Continuing on, one reaches the town centre, made up of a lower part and a higher part that continues until reaching Capaccio Vecchio (the oldest portion of the town) and Mount Calpazio, dominated by the Sanctuary of Getsemani and that of the Madonna del Granato.
The experiences that Paestum offers are numerous and meet the most diverse needs and travel ideas. Starting with the jewel in the crown of this area, those who visit Paestum cannot fail to make a stop at the grandiose archaeological site whose temples tell us of the majesty of the Magna Grecia era. In the immediate vicinity, you can also visit the museum, where among marvellous ancient artefacts is the famous Tomb of the Diver, an iconic work to be seen at least once in a lifetime. Finally, if you are still in the mood for artistic beauty, you can go as far as Padula, where you can visit the Charterhouse of San Lorenzo with its breathtaking architecture. Geographically, Paestum is close to the mouth of the Sele River, a magical place to organise a walk or an excursion perhaps in the late afternoon, to watch the sun set over the waters of the river (or the sea) and tint everything with its golden light. Paestum is also not far from the Grotte di Castelcivita where one can discover, in the depths of the earth, suggestive 'sculptures' of stalactites and stalagmites. Good food is one of the great attractions of the Cilento and also of this area, where cheese factories are a real attraction: large or small, they are almost always surrounded by greenery and very often are equipped to allow patrons to consume their freshly purchased goodness on the spot. In addition, many of them have crops, vegetable gardens and greenhouses in which to stroll, and often have the characteristic buffalo herds open to the view of visitors. Fancy the sea? The beach at Paestum is wide and long, the shoreline is low and sandy and free beaches alternate with private lidos, where you can have a snack or book a seaside lunch. In Paestum you can breathe tranquillity and peace, but if you want to immerse yourself in a more mundane and lively atmosphere, all you have to do is drive a few kilometres to reach city centres such as Agropoli, San Marco di Castellabate or Salerno, which will not disappoint in terms of clubs and entertainment.
In terms of food and wine, from appetisers to desserts, every dish in Paestum is synonymous with goodness. First courses include home-made pasta such as lagane with chickpeas and strozzapreti (similar to fusilli) to be eaten with a fresh tomato sauce or meat sauce. For main courses, you can choose trattorias or restaurants that offer an excellent selection of fresh fish dishes that, fried or grilled, can be accompanied by an IGT white wine. Meat, too, will not disappoint: in particular, you can try pork in sfriuonzolo (a stew made with meat and peppers) or buffalo, the breeding of which is a typical activity of the Cilento region that, in addition to meat and sausages, also offers another food not to be missed: buffalo mozzarella. This, with its soft and enveloping texture, accompanies salads, grilled vegetables or the typical 'acquasale' (i.e. 'freselle' made of biscuit bread soaked in water and seasoned with tomato, oil and oregano). If you can, don't miss the Paestum artichoke and the sweet white Cilento figs. Finally, for dessert, we recommend yoghurt, ice cream and cakes made with buffalo milk, to be eaten in local dairies where you can also enjoy nature, relaxation and learn more about the breeding of this animal that has populated the Cilento lands for centuries.
The events scheduled in Paestum are diverse and many fall in the summer period, offering the opportunity for all travellers to participate and to get in touch with the culture and values of this land. In October, the Balloon Festival, the international gathering of hot-air balloons, has been held for several years, where one can witness the flight of these romantic means of transport in the immediate vicinity of the archaeological site of the Temples. Between April and May is the Paestum Artichoke Festival, a famous and delicious local delicacy. At the beginning of August, in nearby Giungano, there is the festival of the ancient Cilento pizza: an event dedicated to the flavours of the past and peasant traditions, where you can taste typical dishes cooked according to old recipes. In mid-August, Trentinara, a village located near Paestum, hosts the Bread Festival, a folkloristic event where traditional songs and dances accompany the tasting of typical local dishes. From mid-July until the beginning of September, moreover, the calendar of summer events in Paestum unfolds in a series of appointments: concerts, shows and theatrical performances are organised in some of the areas adjacent to the archaeological site or directly inside it, also involving big names in art and entertainment. So if you are travelling in these parts keep an eye on your summer diary, and choose the event that suits you!