The Paestum Archaeological Park and National Archaeological Museum can be visited free of charge on selected days throughout the year.
The main opportunity is Domenica al Museo, the Italian Ministry of Culture initiative that offers free admission to state museums and archaeological sites on the first Sunday of every month.
The initiative includes the Archaeological Park of Paestum and the National Archaeological Museum.
Free admission on the first Sunday of the month
Admission to Paestum is normally free on the first Sunday of every month as part of the Italian Ministry of Culture's Domenica al Museo initiative.
On these days, visitors can enter the archaeological area and museum without paying the standard admission fee.
Free-admission Sundays can be particularly busy, especially during spring and summer, so arriving earlier in the day may make the visit more comfortable.
Other free admission days
Additional free-admission days may be introduced during the year as part of national initiatives promoted by the Italian Ministry of Culture.
These can include important Italian public holidays or special cultural events.
Because the calendar can change from year to year, always check the latest information before planning your visit.
What is included in free admission?
Free admission normally gives access to the same principal areas included with the standard ticket, including:
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the Paestum Archaeological Area;
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the National Archaeological Museum of Paestum.
Visitors can therefore see the three great Greek temples, the Agora, Roman Forum, Amphitheatre and other monuments of the ancient city, as well as the museum collections.
The museum includes the famous Tomb of the Diver, the Lucanian painted tombs and important finds from the sanctuaries of ancient Poseidonia.
Do you need to book?
Advance booking is generally not required for the ordinary free-admission initiative.
Visitors may need to collect a free ticket at the ticket office before entering.
Procedures can occasionally change, particularly for special events or periods of high attendance, so it is advisable to check the current arrangements before travelling.
Who can visit Paestum for free on other days?
Some visitors are entitled to free admission throughout the year, not only on designated free museum days.
Children and young people under the age of 18 are normally admitted free of charge.
Other exemptions are available under the regulations of the Italian Ministry of Culture and may apply according to age, profession, disability or other eligibility requirements.
Visitors wishing to use a concession should bring any documentation required to demonstrate their eligibility.
Visiting Paestum on a free admission day
A free-admission day can be an excellent opportunity to discover both the archaeological area and the museum.
Allow enough time to explore beyond the famous Greek temples. The Roman Forum, Amphitheatre, ancient houses and Archaeological Museum are also essential for understanding the long history of Poseidonia and Roman Paestum.
Because free-admission dates and access arrangements may change, always check the latest official information before your visit.