After two days “off” for cooking lessons (which I will blog about another day), I’m on the road again, (Oct. 7) eager to explore the archaeological site of Paestum. I am on a mission to develop new itineraries in Campania. I have a lot of territory to cover in an amount of time which increasingly seems to be not long enough. Paestum is located at the southern end of the famed Amalfi Coast. During the years I lived in Rome, trips to the Amalfi Coast were frequent treats, but somehow a visit to Paestum eluded me. Today, that error is thankfully rectified.
Founded by the Greeks around 600 BC, Paestum (then called Poseidonia) had an ideal position. Located near waterways, trade routes and fertile soils; it thrived and three stunning Doric temples were constructed. In later years, it was taken over by the Romans who renamed it Paestum, and added many more features such as baths, an amphitheatre and a forum. In AD 877, the city was destroyed by invading Saracens and its citizens fled to escape not only the invaders, but also malaria. Flash forward to the 18th century, when the overgrown city was rediscovered, and today its isolated setting makes for a wonderful and very special sightseeing destination.
Above, on the left is the Temple of Ceres. On the right, you see the Temple of Neptune in the foreground and the Temple of Hera in the background. We visited Paestum on a day which threatened rain that never materialized. Regardless of blue sky, or cloudy, it was hard to take a bad picture in this most beautiful of settings.
I would hate for you to think that I went a whole day without indulging in some delicious food and wine. And so I leave you with a few pictures from lunch:
Lunch today is a simple meat and cheese platter. I am after all, in the land of Buffalo Milk Mozzarella and you can see by the milkiness of the cheese how fresh it is. As luck would have it, I am also in the land of Aglianico wine; a new found favorite of mine. This inexpensive "house wine" is perfect for the moment. And every meal should be topped off with a perfect espresso. We found one at nearby Bar Museo where the excellent barista also gave us a free sample of fig liqueur. Ahh......Italy.
Join me in 2014! Let's explore the Amalfi Coast together. Stay tuned for upcoming blogs as I make my way up the coast......
Lunch today is a simple meat and cheese platter. I am after all, in the land of Buffalo Milk Mozzarella and you can see by the milkiness of the cheese how fresh it is. As luck would have it, I am also in the land of Aglianico wine; a new found favorite of mine. This inexpensive "house wine" is perfect for the moment. And every meal should be topped off with a perfect espresso. We found one at nearby Bar Museo where the excellent barista also gave us a free sample of fig liqueur. Ahh......Italy.
Join me in 2014! Let's explore the Amalfi Coast together. Stay tuned for upcoming blogs as I make my way up the coast......
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