Temple of Neptune (Paestum)
Campania
The Temple of Hera II, commonly but erroneously called the Temple of Neptune, is a monumental Greek Doric temple located in the ancient city of Paestum, Campania, Italy. Constructed around 460–450 BC during the height of Paestum's prosperity, it stands as one of the best-preserved early Greek temples in the world. The temple measures approximately 24.5 by 60 meters and features a peripteral colonnade with six columns on its shorter sides and fourteen on its longer sides, unusually adopting a 6 x 14 column arrangement. Its columns, about 8.9 meters tall, exhibit a distinctive entasis and tapering, with 24 flutes on the large external columns, a deviation from typical Doric norms. Originally built from local porous limestone and coated with powdered marble stucco, the temple's design resonates with the severe style of Greek architecture, sharing stylistic similarities with the Temple of Zeus at Olympia. The interior cella is divided into three aisles by two rows of seven columns each, arranged in two superimposed orders that progressively taper upward, a unique architectural feature. The temple was dedicated primarily to Hera, though some evidence suggests possible veneration of Poseidon and Zeus, supported by the presence of two altars on the east side. Its alignment with a sacred double-peaked mountain further emphasizes its religious significance. The temple's exceptional preservation owes much to the site's abandonment in the early medieval period, which protected it from extensive reuse or destruction. Today, it remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a captivating testament to ancient Greek religious architecture and cultural heritage.
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Astuce: The best time to visit the Temple of Hera II is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the archaeological site is less crowded. Visitors are advised to purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid long queues. Guided tours are recommended to fully appreciate the temple's architectural nuances and historical context. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Comfortable footwear is suggested due to the uneven terrain of the archaeological park.
Faits intéressants
- •The temple is often mistakenly called the Temple of Neptune, but it was primarily dedicated to Hera.
- •It has an unusual 6 x 14 column arrangement, differing from the typical 6 x 13 Doric temple layout.
- •The columns feature 24 flutes instead of the usual 20, enhancing their visual impact.
- •The temple's architecture influenced the study and revival of Doric style during the 18th-century Grand Tour.
- •Two altars remain visible on the east side, one Greek and one Roman, indicating continuous religious use.
- •Its alignment with a double-peaked mountain was significant in ancient Greek religious practices.
Histoire
The Temple of Hera II was constructed around 460–450 BC during the flourishing period of the ancient city of Paestum, then known as Poseidonia.
It was built just north of the earlier Temple of Hera I, reflecting the city's religious and cultural growth.
The temple's 6 x 14 column layout deviates from the canonical Greek 6 x 13 pattern, influenced by Sicilian architectural traditions following Greek victories in the region.
Over the centuries, the site was abandoned around the 9th century AD due to malaria and environmental changes, which ironically contributed to the temple's remarkable preservation.
Rediscovered and studied extensively from the 18th century onward, the temple played a pivotal role in the revival of interest in ancient Greek architecture during the Grand Tour era.
It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, recognizing its outstanding universal value.
Guide du lieu
Peristyle Colonnade460-450 BC
The temple's exterior features a peripteral colonnade with six columns on the short sides and fourteen on the long sides. These Doric columns stand approximately 8.9 meters tall, with a distinctive entasis and 24 flutes, creating a strong visual presence.
Interior Cella460-450 BC
Inside, the cella is divided into three aisles by two rows of seven Doric columns each, arranged in two superimposed orders that taper upward. The floor is composed of large rectangular stone slabs, with a marked area indicating the likely position of the cult statue.
Altars on the East Side5th century BC and Roman period
Two altars are located east of the temple: a large original Greek altar and a smaller Roman addition built later when a road was constructed through the site. These altars indicate the temple's religious function and possible dedication to multiple deities.
Contact
Téléphone: 0828 811023
