Famous all over the world for its Rock Engravings, of such an inestimable value to have been declared World Heritage by UNESCO, the Valle Camonica is the highest expression of art, history and culture because alone embraces millennia of history in a unique natural context.
What it contains is impossible to describe in words: Neolithic rock engravings, Roman finds, beautiful churches decorated by respected Renaissance painters, medieval villages and castles, Museums and much more make the entire valley as fascinating as it is precious, which also offers breathtaking landscapes and stunning views.
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Available to tourists and visitors are ski resorts, mountain bike trails, areas for hiking and climbing, as well as nature reserves such as the Adamello and Stelvio Parks. And finally, there is no shortage of relaxation areas: the spas of Boario are always ready to give moments of pure tranquility in a magical and irresistible atmosphere.
The “Valley of Signs”
The Valle Camonica is also known as the “Valle dei Segni”, because of the large number of archaeological finds it enjoys. Not surprisingly, it is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, finding Capo di Ponte, in the National Park of Petroglyphs, its main strength.
In fact, precisely here, in Cividate Camuno, the Romans founded their capital; the remains are still visible in the theatre and in the amphitheatre, as well as in the two extraordinary statues preserved in the National Archaeological Museum. Other testimonies of the time reveal the Castles of Breno, Gorzone and Cimbergo, along with churches, frescoes and works of art present throughout the territory. Among the most important are the Sanctuary of the Annunciation of Piancogno and the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Esine.
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In addition, there are at least two places in the Valle Camonica to visit: Bienno, among the most beautiful villages in Italy, rich in frescoes dating back to the sixteenth century, and Cerveno, characterized by the 14 chapels of the Via Crucis.
What to see in Valle Camonica
The Camonica Valley is known, undoubtedly, for its immense heritage of rock carvings but, as already mentioned, is a place full of beautiful scenery, able to prove to be the ideal destination for a day trip or a weekend outdoors.
For those who visit the Valley of the Signs is recommended to stop in the following places to admire them in their immense beauty:
The Church of the Oratory (or of the dead)
The Oratorio dei Morti is located in Montecchio di Darfo Boario Terme and is a national monument. Dating back to the late fourteenth century, it has undergone numerous restorations, among which the most important was certainly that of 1962 that brought to light the original frescoes.
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The Sanctuary of the Annunciation
Totally immersed in nature, the Sanctuary of the Annunciation is a place of culture and spirituality. The church is in late Gothic Lombard style and inside houses the permanent crib.
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The village of Bienno
Among the most beautiful villages in Italy, Bienno is rich in picturesque alleys, crenellated towers and typical medieval stone portals. To visit the water mill in its historic center and the ancient forges, where it is still possible to watch iron processing.
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Cividate Camuno
The village of Cividate Camuno preserves traces of Roman times among the most important and best preserved. The best finds are the remains of the theater, the amphitheater and the spa located within the Archaeological Park.
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Before leaving Cividate Camuno, it is recommended to visit the National Archaeological Museum of the Camonica Valley, where you can admire statues and finds of the Roman age from all over the hinterland.
The Sanctuary of Minerva
The Sanctuary of Minerva, built from the foundations of a previous building, still retains the base, some traces of the paintings, a mosaic and a copy of the statue of the goddess Minerva (the original is located at the National Archaeological Museum of the Camonica Valley of Cividate Camuno).
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The Church of Sant’Antonio Abate
In Breno, however, you can admire the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate: deconsecrated in the late nineteenth century, from the early twentieth century has become a national monument. The interior is rich in frescoes by Pietro da Cemmo and Gerolamo Romanino.
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The Sanctuary of the Way of the Cross
The 14 chapels of the Via Crucis in Cerveno are among the most significant examples of art and popular faith in the Alps. Of inestimable value, the town is a pilgrimage destination for thousands of faithful, who come to admire the 198 life-size wooden and plaster statues, made in the mid-eighteenth century, representing the passion of Christ.
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The National Park of Petroglyphs
The National Park of Rock Engravings is the first Italian archaeological park: established in 1955, it includes 104 rocks carved between the Neolithic and the Iron Age. It covers over 14 hectares and includes 5 itineraries that visitors can follow to get to know it and discover it all the way.
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The National Museum of Prehistory (MUPRE)
The MUPRE, National Museum of Prehistory, was an ancient episcopal seminary built in the historic center of Capo di Ponte; today it houses important testimonies of the populations that lived in prehistoric and protohistoric times.
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The Romanesque Churches of San Siro and San Salvatore
Real jewels of the Camonica Valley, the Romanesque Churches of San Siro and San Salvatore deserve particular attention: the first was built on the rock overlooking the sea and has a magnificent portal, the crypt and frescoes dating back to the fifteenth century; the second, however, is a unique testimony of the Cluniac presence in Valle Camonica.
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The White War Museum in Adamello
The White War Museum in Adamello, founded in 1974, preserves artifacts, artifacts and documents from the First World War that, when fought in the mountains of the Valle Camonica, took the name of “white war” because of the snow of Adamello.
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The Church of the Holy Trinity
Finally, here is the Church of the Holy Trinity: built in the historic center of Ponte di Legno, it is accessed through two staircases that lead to an elegant balcony overlooking the village.
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