The Collections and Artefacts of the Archaeological Area of Velia
The exhibition spaces of Velia are set within two historic buildings from the medieval and early modern settlement on the Acropolis: the Palatine Chapel and the Church of Santa Maria in Portosalvo. Together, they showcase a carefully selected range of archaeological finds—including ceramics, statues, coins, jewellery, and everyday objects—offering a tangible insight into Velia’s rich cultural and historical legacy within the broader context of Magna Graecia.
The thematic displays are designed to explore specific aspects of life in ancient Velia, from craftsmanship and trade to religion and architecture. The exhibition in the Palatine Chapel focuses on the city’s earliest years, tracing the experience of the first Phocaean settlers through artefacts recovered from Velia’s oldest buildings. These exhibits tell the story of a city in formation—one still taking shape, laying the foundations for the institutions and structures that would define Elea’s identity in the centuries to come. By the 4th century BC, Elea had become one of the most distinguished cities in Magna Graecia.
In the nearby Church of Santa Maria in Portosalvo, you can delve into the daily life of Elea’s ancient residents and meet some of the city’s most celebrated figures—Parmenides and Zeno. Their contributions earned Elea widespread esteem and provided the legal and philosophical foundations for its civic stability and prosperity. Their legacy also helped to establish Velia as a renowned centre of medical and scientific knowledge, dedicated to health and healing.
The exhibition venues of the Velia Archaeological Park also host temporary thematic displays, often inspired by new excavations and ongoing research. These are organised by the Paestum and Velia Archaeological Park (PAEVE), in collaboration with a range of public institutions and research bodies.
Education and Learning
At Velia, education is at the heart of the visitor experience. Within the exhibition spaces, a wide range of educational and training programmes are offered for schools, families, and groups. These include guided tours, hands-on workshops, immersive activities, and engaging outreach projects—all designed to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of history and culture through direct, meaningful experiences.
The educational offering is thoughtfully tailored to suit all ages and levels of knowledge, ensuring that everyone—from young children to lifelong learners—can explore and enjoy the fascinating legacy of ancient Velia.
Archaeology Diaries EP04: The Exhibition “Elea: La Rinascita”
The fourth episode of the Archaeology Diaries series focuses on the temporary exhibition Elea: La Rinascita—a captivating journey through the era in which Elea, the ancient city of Velia, experienced a period of cultural revival and transformation after the height of classical Greece.
Through archaeological discoveries, reconstruction models, and interactive displays, you can explore how Elea flourished as a hub of philosophy, science, and the arts during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The exhibition brings this vibrant chapter of history to life, offering insight into a city that continued to inspire well beyond its classical roots.
I Parchi archeologici di Paestum e Velia sono un istituto del Ministero della Cultura dotato di autonomia speciale, iscritto dal 1998 nella lista del patrimonio mondiale UNESCO.
The Archaeological Parks of Paestum and Velia; an institute of the Ministry of Culture, with special autonomy and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.
