Rock  Drawings  in  Valcamonica​

​By Dion Protani
Latest update: 9 January 2024
The Rock drawings in Valcamonica has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Situated across eight locations in the Province of Brescia, the sites consist of a series of prehistoric petroglyphs.

Notable among the archaeological sites are the parks at Naquane, Capo di Ponte, Sellero and Luine.
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Profile
The Rock Drawings in Valcamonica is an extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Valcamonica valley, Lombardy, northern Italy. It is one of the largest collections of prehistoric rock art in the world, featuring thousands of petroglyphs carved into the rocky surfaces of the valley.
History
The history of the Rock Drawings in Valcamonica dates back over 10,000 years. The ancient inhabitants of the region, known as the Camuni, created these rock engravings as a means of expression and communication. The carvings depict various aspects of their daily life, including hunting scenes, farming activities, religious rituals, and symbolic representations.

The petroglyphs were made by pecking or incising the rock's surface with stone tools, and they provide valuable insights into the culture, beliefs, and lifestyle of the Camuni people during different periods of prehistory.

UNESCO World Heritage Listing - Rock Drawings in Valcamonica: In 1979, the Rock Drawings in Valcamonica were inscribed on UNESCO's list of World Heritage sites, recognizing their exceptional cultural significance and the importance of preserving this unique legacy of human history.
Key features
The Rock Drawings in Valcamonica cover an extensive area of about 250 square kilometers and consist of more than 140,000 individual engravings spread over 2,500 distinct rock sites. The carvings are found on boulders, rock faces, and cave walls throughout the valley, providing an open-air museum of prehistoric art.

The subjects of the petroglyphs are diverse, and they depict a wide range of human and animal figures, symbols, and geometric designs. These carvings offer valuable information about the social organization, religious beliefs, and artistic expressions of the ancient Camuni civilization.
Visitor information
Today, the Rock Drawings in Valcamonica are carefully preserved and protected to ensure their longevity and accessibility for visitors. Some of the rock art sites are open to the public, allowing visitors to experience this fascinating ancient art firsthand.

To visit the rock art sites, it is recommended to join guided tours or visit visitor centers in the area, where knowledgeable guides can provide historical and archaeological context to enrich the visitor's understanding of the petroglyphs.

As with any UNESCO World Heritage site, visitors are encouraged to treat the rock engravings with respect, refrain from touching them, and follow the guidelines set by the local authorities to protect this valuable cultural heritage.
Rock Drawings in Valcamonica
Province: Brescia

Region: Lombardy

Number of sites: 6

​​Notable locations: Naquane, Capo di Ponte, Sellero, Luine

Recommended accommodation: Hotel Diana (22 km)
UNESCO World Heritage Site

Rock Drawings in Valcamonica

​Year: 1979
LOCATIONS
Parco Comunale di Luine di Darfo-Boario Terme

​Parco Archeologico Nazionale dei Massi di Cemmo

Parco Archeologico Comunale di Seradina-Bedolina, in Capo di Ponte

Parco Comunale di Sellero

Parco Pluritematico

Parco Nazionale delle Incisioni Rupestri di Capo di Ponte/ Riserva Naturale delle Incisioni Rupestri di Ceto, Cimbergo e Paspardo

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