Val Camonica Rock Drawings, Capo di Ponte, Italy

The stone carvings of Val Camonica (Camonica Valley) constitute the largest collections of prehistoric petroglyphs in the world. The collection was recognized by Unesco in 1979 and was Italy's first recognized World Heritage Site. Unesco has formally recognized more than 140,000 figures and symbols, but new discoveries have increased the number of catalogued incisions to between 200,000 and 300,000. The petroglyphs are spread on all surfaces of the valley, but concentrated in the areas of Darfo Boario Terme, Capo di Ponte, Nadro, Cimbergo and Paspardo.

Many of the incisions were made over a time period of 8000 years preceding the Iron Age (1st millennium BC), while petroglyphs of the last period are attributed to the people of Camunni, mentioned by Latin sources. The petroglyph tradition does not end abruptly. Engravings have been identified (although in very small number; not comparable with the great prehistoric activity) from the Roman period, medieval period and are possibly even contemporary, up to the 19th century. Most of the cuts have been made using the 'martellina' technique and lesser numbers obtained through graffiti.

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User Reviews

Azzurra Fanara (3 years ago)
We went on a school trip today! Francesca and Pamela, the guide who accompanied us teachers and children, are very well prepared and very capable also in relating to children. All the staff are extremely kind and the park deserves to be visited. Thank you very much!

Paola Ancordi (5 years ago)
The very kind guide Mariangela accompanied us from the station to the site of the Naquane park. Children very happy and enthusiastic about the workshops. Definitely worth seeing, a leap into our origins and with many small curiosities.

Margherita Mangini (6 years ago)
Valentina, our archaeologist guide was very good at cutting the attention of my 9 and 6 year old children and explaining very interesting things in a simple and engaging way. We spent three hours all wonderful! Great experience! Thank you

simona locatelli (6 years ago)
The engravings are really interesting. Still perfectly visible and in large quantities. The park is well maintained and the guides are competent. I advise

Tatiana Gukalenko (6 years ago)
Ottimo

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