Massi di Cemmo National Archaeological Park

Italy's first UNESCO-listed site

In the heart of Val Camonica, where the Clegna stream flows into the Oglio river, stands the Massi di Cemmo National Archaeological Park. Inaugurated in October 2005, it is the first Italian site to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979. It constitutes the extension of a small state-owned area, known as 'dei Massi di Cemmo', existing since 1964.

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. Stop and look at the more than 150 carvings on Boulder 1, depicting animals, weapons and agricultural scenes while Boulder 2 features engravings of animals, people, weapons and chariots.

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.