Stage 3: Capo di Ponte - Cimbergo

National Archaeological Park of Massi di Cemmo | CAPO DI PONTE
Where it all began
An archaeological area not only of great suggestion for the natural context, but also of great importance in the history of studies of Camunian art. The reporting of the boulders, in fact, which took place in 1909 by the young geographer Gualtiero Laeng, constitutes the first mention of rock engravings in Valle Camonica. The area of the two boulders was already frequented in the Early Mesolithic (around IX millennium BC) and in the Late Neolithic (IV millennium BC), but was transformed into a real megalithic sanctuary in the Copper Age, when the two boulders were engraved and the area in front was circumscribed by three plowing furrows and enriched with many other stelae. On the boulders, in addition to animal representations, weapons and stylized human figures are recognized. You can admire two famous representations linked to the technological innovations of the III millennium BC: a four-wheeled solid cart and a plow.

The more than 20 stelae and other materials, found during recent investigations, have been placed in the MuPre - National Museum of Prehistory of Valle Camonica at Villa Agostani in Capo di Ponte.

Municipal Archaeological Park of Seradina-Bedolina | CAPO DI PONTE
One of the oldest maps in the world
Within the Park it is possible to appreciate, thanks to five visiting routes, various types of engravings. The visitor's eye can admire the majestic warrior-hunters, the numerous plowing scenes, the huts and the inscriptions in North Etruscan. Walking along the path that connects the area of Seradina to Bedolina, you can be fascinated by the engravings of horns, probable musical instruments and arrive to discover the Map of Bedolina, positioned on a natural terrace that allows you to embrace with your gaze all the landscape below.

MuPre - National Museum of Prehistory | CAPO DI PONTE
A National Museum of Prehistory in the Valley of Signs
The National Museum of Prehistory, housed in the ancient building of Villa Agostani in the historic center of Capo di Ponte, integrates, with the exhibition of finds, the heritage of images engraved on rocks and recomposes, in an inseparable whole, the identity expression of Valle Camonica.

The visit begins on the ground floor, where the theme "Manifestations of the sacred. The megalithic sanctuaries of the Copper Age" is developed. Here, in a series of vaulted rooms of great architectural value, with a large portico placed on the facade of the building and the addition of a tensile structure at the back, are displayed the numerous stelae and engraved menhir-stones from the megalithic sanctuaries of the Copper Age (IV-III millennium BC). These are particularly evocative finds and, in some cases, of impressive dimensions (such as the Cemmo 9 and Pat 4 stelae), which make the Valley participate in the extensive phenomenon of European megalithism.
The route continues on the second floor where, in a large and scenic hall, the sections dedicated to material culture are illustrated.

Naquane National Rock Engravings Park | CAPO DI PONTE
The first archaeological park in Valle Camonica
The Naquane National Rock Engravings Park, in Capo di Ponte, was the first park established in Valle Camonica in 1955. The area extends for over 14 hectares and constitutes one of the most important complexes of engraved rocks within the UNESCO World Heritage Site No. 94 "Rock Art of Valle Camonica". Inside, in a splendid wooded environment, it is possible to admire 104 engraved rocks, accompanied by information panels and divided into 5 easily walkable visiting routes for about 3 km.

Natural Reserve of Rock Engravings | CETO - CIMBERGO - PASPARDO
Over 400 engraved rocks
The Natural Reserve of Rock Engravings of Ceto, Cimbergo and Paspardo is the largest protected archaeological area in Valle Camonica, with over 400 engraved rocks. It extends for about 300 hectares embracing the three villages of Nadro di Ceto, Cimbergo and Paspardo.

Foppe di Nadro
The area is a succession of densely engraved surfaces organized in a pleasant circular route. The engravings found date from the V millennium BC to the early Middle Ages; particularly important are the Bronze Age figurations (II millennium BC with a rich typology of weapons) and the graceful warriors referable to the phase of Etruscan influence (middle Iron Age).

Campanine
The area began to be engraved during the late Neolithic age (end of IV millennium BC), was momentarily abandoned during the following centuries (few engravings from the II millennium BC) and its use resumed in the last millennium BC. A very rich and so far unique concentration of engravings executed from the end of the Roman era to the full modern age has also been identified here.

Our suggestions on what not to miss along the route:

Naquane National Rock Engravings Park
The Naquane National Rock Engravings Park, in Capo di Ponte, was the first park established in Valle Camonica in 1955. The area extends for over 14 hectares and constitutes one of the most important complexes of engraved rocks within the UNESCO World Heritage Site No. 94 "Rock Art of Valle Camonica". Inside, in a splendid wooded environment, it is possible to admire 104 engraved rocks, accompanied by information panels and divided into 5 easily walkable visiting routes for about 3 km.

Scan the QR Codes in the Via Raetia Passport and Guide to discover the best places to savor Camunian cuisine. The selection includes restaurants, trattorias and typical establishments with traditional menus, seasonal specialties and local products, for an authentic gastronomic experience along the trail.

Scan the QR Codes in the Via Raetia Passport and Guide to discover all the accommodation facilities along the route. You will find hotels, B&Bs, agritourisms and refuges with updated contact details, as well as exclusive partnership prices for those who have the Via Raetia Passport.