Nave Looking East
Paestum was Christianized by the 5th century and became the seat of a bishop. Its modestly-sized cathedral was built shortly thereafter, incorporating ancient stones and columns from the ruined city. Paestum was abandoned by the 9th century due to malaria and invaders, with a new settlement (Capaccio) established on higher ground a few kilometers away. The church was restored in the 18th and 20th centuries and is in active use today.