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.