THE ANCIENT CITY OF PAESTUM IN THE PROVINCE OF SALERNO (ITALY). FROM THE ANALYSIS OF THE PLACE TO A VALORISATION STRATEGY

The discovery in 1754 of the Doric temples of Paestum aroused, as early as the 1700s, strong interest, but the ruins remained hidden among thickets and swamps until the mid-eighteenth century, when Charles III (King of Naples) finally brought them to light. The excavations that followed, allowed for the discovery of significant monuments: the Forum, the Amphitheatre, the houses, the spa complex, etc. and, of particular significance, the three Doric temples in the sacred area located at the centre of the city (the Basilica, the Temple of Neptune, the Temple of Athena). A double curtain wall encloses the entire archaeological area, but outside of this boundary there are so many tangible signs of culture, art, history, anthropology, etc. which are not only excluded from tourism, but also by the idea of territory in the organic sense with all its interrelationships. Some important signs, outside the ancient city walls, for example, include the Heraion on the river Sele, the necropolis of Gavdos, as well as the Tower of Pesto. Some traces of the material culture are equally significant, with it being believed that they can strongly enhance the place (the farms and buffalo ranches, springs, rivers, irrigation canals, etc.). The danger is that these signs can be completely erased by the uncontrolled transformations of an area that is particularly vulnerable. Recently, a group of researchers at the University of Salerno, along with local professionals, has developed a study designed to develop the area, with the aim of linking the ancient city to a path of relations with the neighbouring areas, in a logic of cultural complementarity. In the contribution, we intend to present this initiative in order to illustrate the instruments assumed for the achievement of the purposes set out above