The best collection of artefacts from the ancient Greek city of Metapontion, housed in a purpose-built museum in the town of Metaponto, two kilometres from the beach. The displays cover the full arc of the city's history from its foundation by Greek colonists in the seventh century BC through its decline after the Roman conquest, with pottery, votive objects, jewellery, and architectural fragments excavated from the site.
The highlight for most visitors is the collection of decorated Greek ceramics — Attic red-figure ware and locally produced imitations — and the reconstructed architectural terracottas from the main temples. The museum is well organised and uncrowded, and is easily combined with a visit to the Tavole Palatine and the nearby archaeological park, where you can walk through the remains of the ancient city's street grid, theatre, and sanctuaries.