ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

Lombardy offers a rich archaeological heritage ranging from prehistory to Roman and Lombard times.

 
  • Photo by Ceccorossi, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Val Camonica

    The rock engravings of Valcamonica are considered the most important rock example in Europe. There are over 300,000 thousand figures carved on the rock walls, the highest concentration of which is found in the Capo di Ponte area, where the Naquane National Park was established in 1958. This was the first Italian archaeological site to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

  • Photo by Kirsten C

    The Grottoes of Catullus, Sirmione

    The archaeological area of the Grottoes of Catullus dominates the basin of Lake Garda. The belonging of the villa to the poet Catullus is only a supposition, deducible from historical sources, but there is no archaeological confirmation. In fact, in the 1400s, Catullus' lyrics were found where the poet speaks of his return to his beloved house in Sirmione, hence the connection with the villa found. The excavations that began around the mid-19th century made it possible to obtain a detailed plan of the villa, but it was only after 1948 that it was possible to bring to light large sectors of the villa, which still remains largely unexplored.

  • Photo by  Luca Giarelli, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Massi di Cemmo National Archaeological Park

    It’s the first Italian site to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979. The name 'Massi di Cemmo' refers to the two large blocks that fell from the rock face, following a landslide, with engravings as old as the Copper Age and made by the ancient inhabitants of the Camonica Valley. These two imposing sandstone blocks are placed 15 metres apart and are flanked by other large stones. All these findings suggest the existence of a megalithic sanctuary, whose sacred space was bordered by walls and marked by ornate stelae.

  • Photo by Vincenzo Godono

    Archaeological Park of the Roman Forum

    The Monumental Complex of Santa Giulia in Brescia, a UNESCO World Heritage since 2011, is an exceptional museum located in the ancient Lombard monastery of San Salvatore. It houses over 12,000 works on 14,000 square meters, narrating the history of Brescia from the third millennium BC to the Renaissance. It includes the Roman Archaeological Park, the basilica of San Salvatore, the church of Santa Maria in Solario, and the nuns' choir. 

  • Photo by Ottantafame, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Brixia Romana Archeological Park

    It’s one of the best preserved routes in the ancient Lombard city in Italy. The area, abandoned in late antiquity, was brought to light at the beginning of the nineteenth century, financed by the citizens themselves. Since 2011, it has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Republican Sanctuary was built at the beginning of the first century BC. The splendid frescoes, extraordinarily preserved, represent one of the rare examples of Roman painting from the Republican age in northern Italy.

  • Photo by Phyrexian, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Torba Monastery

    The monumental complex has a very ancient history that dates back to the fifth century AD, when the Romans built a military outpost in the area to defend themselves from the barbarians. After a long decline, it was restored by the FAI and is now part of an archaeological park declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The late Roman tower remains one of the main attractions of the monastery. Used by the small monastic community as a chapel and mausoleum, it houses rare and ancient frescoes cloaked in charm and charm.