Temple of Hera at Paestum

The Temple of Hera is the brightest example of Dorian architecture and the oldest temple in Paestum. This monument is perfectly preserved to this day with all 50 outer columns (9 front and 18 side). Recent excavations have uncovered statuettes of Hera, which completely destroyed the myth that this temple is dedicated to Poseidon.

The temple is built with an odd number of front columns, which is a rarity for Greek temples. The temple has a two-nave cella, which gives reason to consider this building the only structure of this kind in Italy (like temples are only in Prinia and Dreros).

The ease of architectural forms and at the same time their grandeur made the temple of Hera one of the most visited attractions of Paestum.