Tristan Hughes

They are called Doric columns.

A small capital adorns the top of each column, supporting the top half of the temple.

Directly above the columns, on all four sides, is a long blank rectangular strip called the architrave.

Above that is another rectangular strip.

But this time, the strip is intersected with regular patterns of three vertical lines.

Now those three vertical lines are called triglyphs, and the blank squarish spaces created between them are called metopes.

Usually, that would be where you would find carved reliefs, but none survive on this particular temple.

Either the metopes were left empty or they were painted and the paint hasn't survived.

Finally, right at the top at each end of the temple, you have one of the most iconic parts of its design, the pediment, the triangular top.

We usually picture pediments filled with statues, posing in clever ways to take advantage of the diminishing space.

But, once again, no such decorations survive on this temple.

But let that not take away anything from the majesty of this building.

Visually, it is perfect.

One of the best Doric temples in the world, magnificent and awe-inspiring.

Stepping inside, you are dwarfed by the large Doric columns that fill its interior.

And it's not just single-tiered, if you look up, you notice that there is another level of columns in the centre.

The remains of limestone stairs confirm the fact, this temple originally had multiple floors.

It was here, within the grand ruins of the Temple of Neptune, that I met Dr Tiziana D'Angelo, director of the Archaeological Park of Pestum and Tivellia.

Tiziana, this does just blow me away.

I'm so excited.