Paestum launches fundraiser to save and investigate rediscovered Doric temple

The Paestum Archaeological Park has launched in collaboration with the Superintendence of Salerno and Avellino, directed by Francesca Casule, a project aimed at investigating and protecting the hypothetical temple near the walls, the remains of which were found during cleaning and maintenance work carried out in June 2019. Dismembered elements of a small temple dating back to the fifth century B.C., recovered along Paestum’s western walls, which risk remaining decontextualized if no archaeological investigation is carried out. The travertine and sandstone lithic fragments can be attributed to a hitherto unknown Doric building: capitals, column rungs, frieze and cornice elements. They are currently on preliminary display in the Paestum Archaeological Museum where they are being restored "in the window," under the eyes of the public.

Thearchaeological investigation of the discovery area, which is partly privately owned, would cost 190,000 euros, according to an estimate by park officials. A fundraiser has therefore been launched on the Artbonus portal.

“Currently, the field where it is speculated the building could have stood is used for the cultivation of corn; after the harvest, the area could again be subject to plowing by mechanical means, with potentially disastrous consequences for the archaeological evidence,” explained the director of the Archaeological Park, Gabriel Zuchtriegel.

Archaeologists are hoping for the realization of the survey project launched by the Park and Superintendence to bring to light further evidence of what has been called a jewel of Doric architecture from Paestum’s early classical period: a small temple that may have been part of a sanctuary dedicated to a female deity, perhaps Hera, since a stipe with terracotta and pottery from the late 6th century BC/early mid-5th century BC was excavated nearby in the 1950s./early mid-5th century B.C. “Every contribution, small and large, helps us,” the director stressed.

Paestum launches fundraiser to save and investigate rediscovered Doric temple

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