Paestum becomes the first of Italy’s famous archaeological sites to reopen following the pandemic lockdown
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The famous site of Paestum near Naples has is the first of Italy's architectural sites reopen following the coronavirus lockdown.
In the 6th century BC it was the site of a Greek colony and it boasts three extremely well preserved Doric temples.
The park is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site; it has traces of human occupation "dating back to prehistoric times".
"I came for the weekend,” says Maria, a teacher. "I took the opportunity to take my pupils on a virtual trip - my distance learning pupils. They were all connected, and I took them to Paestum. And they loved it."
The Vatican museum is also preparing to reopen for visitors from June 1 but advance booking will be obligatory. Ticket sales and souvenir revenues are a major source of income for the Holy See.