May 7, 2025 • 13 mins
This episode of Global Treasures covers the Rock Drawings in Valcamonica, located in Italy. Join us as we discuss the history and travel tips for visiting this UNESCO world heritage site.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Abigail (00:00):
Imagine a place that tells a story spanning centuries.
Where culture and nature intertwine tocreate something truly extraordinary.
That's the beauty of UNESCOWorld Heritage Sites.
I'm Abigail, and this is Global Treasures,the podcast that covers the history,
(00:22):
travel, tips, and legends surroundingone of the 1,223 World Heritage sites
each episode.
These places have been identifiedas having universal cultural.
Or natural significance that is soexceptional that it transcends national
boundaries and is of importanceto present and future generations.
(00:45):
Welcome to season two, wherewe'll explore the 45 sites that
UNESCO added in 1979 together.
Thank you for listening tothe Global Treasures Podcast.
We appreciate all of your support.
You can continue to support us bysubscribing at Apple Podcasts, Spotify,
(01:07):
Podbean, or any major platform.
You can also follow uson TikTok and Facebook.
Please share this show with otherswho are passionate about immersing
themselves in the rich history ofthese sites or who love to travel.
We also appreciate it when youleave us a review, especially when
it's a glowing five star review.
(01:29):
Nestled in the province of Russia innorthern Italy, the Camonica Valley
or Valcamonica is home to the mostextensive collection of prehistoric
petroglyphs in the entire world.
Recognized by UNESCO as Italy'sfirst world heritage site, the
(01:49):
rock drawings in Valcamonica havecaptivated archeologists and historians
alike offering a unique glimpse
into human expression across millennia.
Specifically, this is the firstdocumentation of prehistoric customs,
belief systems, and worldviews.
(02:10):
Something we're still grapplingto understand and further
decipher thousands of years later.
More than a hundred, and fortythousand figures and symbols been
formally cataloged by UNESCO.
Though recent discoveries haveincreased that number significantly.
Some estimates now place thetotal between 200,000 and 300,000.
(02:36):
These petroglyphs are scatteredthroughout both sides of the valley
with a concentration in areas suchas Darfo Boario Terme, Capo di Ponte,
Nadro, Cimbergo , and Paspardo.
The majority of the carvings are etchedinto bedrock services shaped by glaciers
(02:58):
or onto glacial erratics that becameexposed following the retreat of the
last glacier around 15,000 years ago.
These carvings span a remarkabletimeframe of about 8,000
years from the epipaleolithicperiod through the iron age.
(03:18):
The final phases of the engravingtradition are linked to the ancient Camuni
people who are mentioned in Latin sources.
Although the intensity of the carvingdiminished over time, the practice
never completely disappeared.
Even during the Roman period, theMiddle Ages, and possibly into the
19th century, petroglyphs continuedto appear, though again, far less
(03:43):
frequently than in prehistoric times.
The carvings range fromseemingly chaotic arrangements.
While others convey specific themessuch as hunting scenes, combat, and
ritual ceremonies, each figure can beseen as an ideogram, less a literal
representation than a symbolic one,intended to capture the essence or
(04:09):
idea of the object or seen depicted.
These symbolic narratives served,celebratory or commemorative purposes.
Whether religious or later secular.
One of the most iconic symbols fromValcamonica is the Rosa camuna, a
mysterious design that has become theofficial emblem of the Lombardi region.
(04:32):
Its origin and meaning, much likethe valley's rock art, remains
subjects of scholarly fascination.
Another iconic carving is whatmany refer to as the astronaut.
This carving is from all the wayback to 8,000 BCE, which stands for
Before Christ or before Common era.
(04:54):
They're depictions of figures that arewearing some sort of headgear with some
even speculating these were supposed torepresent visitors from another planet.
Many actually believe thesecarvings weren't the work of
humans, but of ancient aliens.
There was even an episode of thetelevision show, ancient Aliens,
(05:16):
that dives into this theory.
Some argue that humans back thenwould not have had the skill or tools
required to etch these intricate,detailed carvings into rock.
However, archeologists arguethey simply used sharp stone
blades, which were in fact usedduring the aptly named Stone Age.
(05:38):
The earliest carvings,
stating from the Epi, paleolithic,or Mesolithic periods, which
falls between the eighth to sixth,millennium BC were produced by nomadic
hunters tracking herds of wild game.
These early figures predominantly depictlarge animals such as elk, often shown
(06:01):
pierced by spears, an artistic echo ofthe hunter's prey, and their daily life.
Similar imagery is visible in therock carvings of Luine Municipal
Park in Darfo Boario Terme.
As the neolithic perioddawned, agriculture began
to take root in Valcamonica.
(06:23):
This transformation is mirrored inthe art, which features more humanlike
figures and geometric motifs, suchas rectangles, circles, and dots.
Saturated with symbolic meaning.
These carvings likely representcultivated fields, early settlements,
and human figures engaged indaily and ritualistic activities.
(06:47):
Comparable carvings from this era arepreserved in the regional reserve of rock
carvings of Ceto, Cimbergo, and Paspardo.
The interpretation of schematichuman figures, often called
praying figures has been debated.
While traditionally dated to theNeolithic period, some researchers
(07:09):
argue these figures may actuallybelong to the Bronze Age.
Domesticated animals such as dogs,goats, and bulls began to appear in
the carvings, illustrating the shiftfrom nomadic to a more settled life.
As the art evolved, it depictedmore complex themes, warfare,
(07:31):
and spiritual practices,
recording a growing societalsophistication over the
course of thousands of years.
Modern interest in thepetroglyphs of Valcamonica
began in the early 20th century.
Although the first recorded observationof the engravings occurred in 1909, it
(07:52):
wasn't until the 1920s that geologists,anthropologists, and archeologists
began a concerted study of thevalley's incredible treasure
trove of prehistoric art.
Unfortunately, the Nazis beganstudying them as well in the mid 1930s.
They firmly believed Naziideologies were represented in the
(08:16):
engravings, claiming it was proofof a supposed ancestral Aryan race.
As the world's fascination grew,
so did the need for historicpreservation to keep this site safe.
Erosion and weathering are twoof the biggest issues because the
carvings are located outdoors andbattle the elements on a daily basis.
(08:40):
UNESCO works with other organizationsto preserve them through means such as
regular cleanings, and by not allowingvisitors to touch the art, keeping them
safe from natural oils on our hands
that can wear away these pristine images.
Since then, the engravings have continuedto reveal their secrets, telling a
(09:03):
timeless story carved in stone, aprofound testament to the continuity and
creativity of human culture in one ofEurope's oldest inhabited landscapes.
Now, for those intent on travelinghere, I'll provide some tips
and ideas for an ideal getaway.
(09:24):
The best airport to fly into is Milan,Malpensa Airport, and from there
you can take a train to Brescia.
You can also fly into Verona Airportand take public transportation as well.
It'll take about an hour to anhour and a half, either way.
I personally would just wannaspend a day shopping at the Milan
(09:46):
airport, which is home to some veryhigh-end retailers and good food.
Many choose to make Bresciatheir hub as there aren't
many options around the sites.
You'll have a wide variety ofhotels, bed and breakfasts, homestay
options, and even wellness resorts.
You can see the links and tools inour show notes that will help you
(10:10):
plan different aspects of your trip.
There are also plenty of restaurants,as it is one of the largest
cities in the Lombardi region.
They're famed for their stuffed pastas.
Usually ravioli with richmeats and cheeses inside.
Renting a car is likely worth your whileif you're going to visit multiple sites.
(10:33):
To see the different rock carvings,you'll wanna visit the National Park
of Naquane, the Archaeological Park ofSerdina-Bedonlina, National Archeological
Park of the boulders of Cemmo,
and the Nature Reserve Rock Engravingsof Ceto, Cimbergo, and Paspardo.
(10:55):
You may also wanna visit the NationalMuseum of Prehistory in Cappo, dte.
Some of these sites are free, whileothers have a small fee with actual
ticket offices, such as the National Parkof Naquane I couldn't find an official
website where you could pay or gettickets in advance, like with some parks.
(11:18):
You can take a guided tour from Milan,which coordinates transportation and
getting into some of these sites, butthere are two caveats with this option.
First, it's about a three hour rideeach way, and it's very expensive.
However, on the plus side, youwill have a tour guide that
(11:39):
speaks both Italian and English.
Signs within the park outlining the rules
and providing some historical contextare usually in English and Italian,
but I'll just mention a few basics.
Again, no touching of thecarvings is permitted.
I know some enjoy doing rubbings,which is when you take a piece
(12:01):
of paper, lay it over the carvingand rub chalk over it to get a
beautiful etching you can bring home.
However, this is also prohibited.
Photographers will have a field day here.
Because this site is so photogenicand truly beautiful, this is also
a beautiful spot to have a picnic.
(12:23):
And there are designatedareas where you can do so.
This site does involve a lot ofwalking, so bring sneakers or boots.
If you plan on going during thesummer, it can get hot and sunny,
so sunscreen is never a bad idea.
The rock drawings in valcamonica isas place where we can go back in time
(12:45):
and experience the customs beliefsand ways of life of our ancestors.
Connecting with both the past andpresent makes us more informed
travelers and global citizens.
Join me for our next episode wherewe'll travel to the churches of Ivanovo
(13:06):
in Bulgaria, this stunning collection
of monolithic churches, chapels,and monasteries showcases Bulgarian
art that is more than 700 years old.
Until then, keep exploring, keepwondering, and keep treasuring
(13:27):
the remarkable diversityof our world's heritage.
Imagine a place that tells a story spanning centuries.
Where culture and nature intertwine tocreate something truly extraordinary.
That's the beauty of UNESCOWorld Heritage Sites.
I'm Abigail, and this is Global Treasures,the podcast that covers the history,
(00:22):
travel, tips, and legends surroundingone of the 1,223 World Heritage sites
each episode.
These places have been identifiedas having universal cultural.
Or natural significance that is soexceptional that it transcends national
boundaries and is of importanceto present and future generations.
(00:45):
Welcome to season two, wherewe'll explore the 45 sites that
UNESCO added in 1979 together.
Thank you for listening tothe Global Treasures Podcast.
We appreciate all of your support.
You can continue to support us bysubscribing at Apple Podcasts, Spotify,
(01:07):
Podbean, or any major platform.
You can also follow uson TikTok and Facebook.
Please share this show with otherswho are passionate about immersing
themselves in the rich history ofthese sites or who love to travel.
We also appreciate it when youleave us a review, especially when
it's a glowing five star review.
(01:29):
Nestled in the province of Russia innorthern Italy, the Camonica Valley
or Valcamonica is home to the mostextensive collection of prehistoric
petroglyphs in the entire world.
Recognized by UNESCO as Italy'sfirst world heritage site, the
(01:49):
rock drawings in Valcamonica havecaptivated archeologists and historians
alike offering a unique glimpse
into human expression across millennia.
Specifically, this is the firstdocumentation of prehistoric customs,
belief systems, and worldviews.
(02:10):
Something we're still grapplingto understand and further
decipher thousands of years later.
More than a hundred, and fortythousand figures and symbols been
formally cataloged by UNESCO.
Though recent discoveries haveincreased that number significantly.
Some estimates now place thetotal between 200,000 and 300,000.
(02:36):
These petroglyphs are scatteredthroughout both sides of the valley
with a concentration in areas suchas Darfo Boario Terme, Capo di Ponte,
Nadro, Cimbergo , and Paspardo.
The majority of the carvings are etchedinto bedrock services shaped by glaciers
(02:58):
or onto glacial erratics that becameexposed following the retreat of the
last glacier around 15,000 years ago.
These carvings span a remarkabletimeframe of about 8,000
years from the epipaleolithicperiod through the iron age.
(03:18):
The final phases of the engravingtradition are linked to the ancient Camuni
people who are mentioned in Latin sources.
Although the intensity of the carvingdiminished over time, the practice
never completely disappeared.
Even during the Roman period, theMiddle Ages, and possibly into the
19th century, petroglyphs continuedto appear, though again, far less
(03:43):
frequently than in prehistoric times.
The carvings range fromseemingly chaotic arrangements.
While others convey specific themessuch as hunting scenes, combat, and
ritual ceremonies, each figure can beseen as an ideogram, less a literal
representation than a symbolic one,intended to capture the essence or
(04:09):
idea of the object or seen depicted.
These symbolic narratives served,celebratory or commemorative purposes.
Whether religious or later secular.
One of the most iconic symbols fromValcamonica is the Rosa camuna, a
mysterious design that has become theofficial emblem of the Lombardi region.
(04:32):
Its origin and meaning, much likethe valley's rock art, remains
subjects of scholarly fascination.
Another iconic carving is whatmany refer to as the astronaut.
This carving is from all the wayback to 8,000 BCE, which stands for
Before Christ or before Common era.
(04:54):
They're depictions of figures that arewearing some sort of headgear with some
even speculating these were supposed torepresent visitors from another planet.
Many actually believe thesecarvings weren't the work of
humans, but of ancient aliens.
There was even an episode of thetelevision show, ancient Aliens,
(05:16):
that dives into this theory.
Some argue that humans back thenwould not have had the skill or tools
required to etch these intricate,detailed carvings into rock.
However, archeologists arguethey simply used sharp stone
blades, which were in fact usedduring the aptly named Stone Age.
(05:38):
The earliest carvings,
stating from the Epi, paleolithic,or Mesolithic periods, which
falls between the eighth to sixth,millennium BC were produced by nomadic
hunters tracking herds of wild game.
These early figures predominantly depictlarge animals such as elk, often shown
(06:01):
pierced by spears, an artistic echo ofthe hunter's prey, and their daily life.
Similar imagery is visible in therock carvings of Luine Municipal
Park in Darfo Boario Terme.
As the neolithic perioddawned, agriculture began
to take root in Valcamonica.
(06:23):
This transformation is mirrored inthe art, which features more humanlike
figures and geometric motifs, suchas rectangles, circles, and dots.
Saturated with symbolic meaning.
These carvings likely representcultivated fields, early settlements,
and human figures engaged indaily and ritualistic activities.
(06:47):
Comparable carvings from this era arepreserved in the regional reserve of rock
carvings of Ceto, Cimbergo, and Paspardo.
The interpretation of schematichuman figures, often called
praying figures has been debated.
While traditionally dated to theNeolithic period, some researchers
(07:09):
argue these figures may actuallybelong to the Bronze Age.
Domesticated animals such as dogs,goats, and bulls began to appear in
the carvings, illustrating the shiftfrom nomadic to a more settled life.
As the art evolved, it depictedmore complex themes, warfare,
(07:31):
and spiritual practices,
recording a growing societalsophistication over the
course of thousands of years.
Modern interest in thepetroglyphs of Valcamonica
began in the early 20th century.
Although the first recorded observationof the engravings occurred in 1909, it
(07:52):
wasn't until the 1920s that geologists,anthropologists, and archeologists
began a concerted study of thevalley's incredible treasure
trove of prehistoric art.
Unfortunately, the Nazis beganstudying them as well in the mid 1930s.
They firmly believed Naziideologies were represented in the
(08:16):
engravings, claiming it was proofof a supposed ancestral Aryan race.
As the world's fascination grew,
so did the need for historicpreservation to keep this site safe.
Erosion and weathering are twoof the biggest issues because the
carvings are located outdoors andbattle the elements on a daily basis.
(08:40):
UNESCO works with other organizationsto preserve them through means such as
regular cleanings, and by not allowingvisitors to touch the art, keeping them
safe from natural oils on our hands
that can wear away these pristine images.
Since then, the engravings have continuedto reveal their secrets, telling a
(09:03):
timeless story carved in stone, aprofound testament to the continuity and
creativity of human culture in one ofEurope's oldest inhabited landscapes.
Now, for those intent on travelinghere, I'll provide some tips
and ideas for an ideal getaway.
(09:24):
The best airport to fly into is Milan,Malpensa Airport, and from there
you can take a train to Brescia.
You can also fly into Verona Airportand take public transportation as well.
It'll take about an hour to anhour and a half, either way.
I personally would just wannaspend a day shopping at the Milan
(09:46):
airport, which is home to some veryhigh-end retailers and good food.
Many choose to make Bresciatheir hub as there aren't
many options around the sites.
You'll have a wide variety ofhotels, bed and breakfasts, homestay
options, and even wellness resorts.
You can see the links and tools inour show notes that will help you
(10:10):
plan different aspects of your trip.
There are also plenty of restaurants,as it is one of the largest
cities in the Lombardi region.
They're famed for their stuffed pastas.
Usually ravioli with richmeats and cheeses inside.
Renting a car is likely worth your whileif you're going to visit multiple sites.
(10:33):
To see the different rock carvings,you'll wanna visit the National Park
of Naquane, the Archaeological Park ofSerdina-Bedonlina, National Archeological
Park of the boulders of Cemmo,
and the Nature Reserve Rock Engravingsof Ceto, Cimbergo, and Paspardo.
(10:55):
You may also wanna visit the NationalMuseum of Prehistory in Cappo, dte.
Some of these sites are free, whileothers have a small fee with actual
ticket offices, such as the National Parkof Naquane I couldn't find an official
website where you could pay or gettickets in advance, like with some parks.
(11:18):
You can take a guided tour from Milan,which coordinates transportation and
getting into some of these sites, butthere are two caveats with this option.
First, it's about a three hour rideeach way, and it's very expensive.
However, on the plus side, youwill have a tour guide that
(11:39):
speaks both Italian and English.
Signs within the park outlining the rules
and providing some historical contextare usually in English and Italian,
but I'll just mention a few basics.
Again, no touching of thecarvings is permitted.
I know some enjoy doing rubbings,which is when you take a piece
(12:01):
of paper, lay it over the carvingand rub chalk over it to get a
beautiful etching you can bring home.
However, this is also prohibited.
Photographers will have a field day here.
Because this site is so photogenicand truly beautiful, this is also
a beautiful spot to have a picnic.
(12:23):
And there are designatedareas where you can do so.
This site does involve a lot ofwalking, so bring sneakers or boots.
If you plan on going during thesummer, it can get hot and sunny,
so sunscreen is never a bad idea.
The rock drawings in valcamonica isas place where we can go back in time
(12:45):
and experience the customs beliefsand ways of life of our ancestors.
Connecting with both the past andpresent makes us more informed
travelers and global citizens.
Join me for our next episode wherewe'll travel to the churches of Ivanovo
(13:06):
in Bulgaria, this stunning collection
of monolithic churches, chapels,and monasteries showcases Bulgarian
art that is more than 700 years old.
Until then, keep exploring, keepwondering, and keep treasuring
(13:27):
the remarkable diversityof our world's heritage.
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