Detail of the Heroon in Paestum, November 2003

Paestum is not all about temples, though. The extensive area which is open to the public includes civic buildings, the Roman forum and amphitheatre, paved roadways and ruins of residential buildings. Pathways are kept clear, but tall grass and flowers drown many of the low walls and tumbled masonry. Visitors can pick their way through overgrown areas for picturesque views and sprawling, half-uncovered Roman and Greek remains. The most intriguing spot is the 'Heroon'. This was probably a kind of symbolic tomb of a city founder or mythical hero. Inside a stone chamber dating to the sixth century BC, archaeologists found offerings including large, beautiful vases containing honey, now displayed in the museum.

Text from: www.italyheaven.co.uk/campania/paestum.html