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.

References:

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User Reviews

Tatiana Gukalenko (2 years ago)
Ottimo

Michele Distaso (2 years ago)
Bel posto

Olivia Flores (4 years ago)
Muy interesante, bellisimo lugar en medio a verde! En pocos lugares se puede ver el arte rupestre....absolutamente un lugar de visitar!

C. van de Ven (5 years ago)
The walk in the park was very nice,but the engravings are only dun if you're really into that, otherwise it could be a disappointment... Also, bring cash! There is no possible for ATM so you have to get back the whole way, just like we did..

Gordon Riches (5 years ago)
Beautiful setting. Very tranquil and shady. Long walk up from the car park though, the currently €6 entry pp (2016). Actual rock carvings disappointingly difficult to make out and something of an anticlimax. Long detour from Iseo not really worth the effort unless you are an enthusiast. Go to Zone for the strange rock formations instead - well worth the much shorter detour.

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