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The most important areas of the Alpine rock art are Valcamonica and Valtellina, both in the Lombardy region (Italy). In Valcamonica we have the hugest concentration of figures (more than 300.000 have been calculated) and a very large period of engraving activity (from the Neolithic to the Middle Ages). In Valtellina we can find the largest engraved rock of the Alps (more than 5000 figures) and some Copper Age interesting boulders.

Alpine rock art is one of the best way to understand the prehistoric cultures, from the agricultural representations of the Neolithic to the god-related figures of the Copper Age and to the duel-young male related figures of the Iron Age.
"Visiting the Sacred Sites" represent not only a trip along the engraved mountain slopes but also path going through the millennia of the alpine religions, traditions and cultures.

The Footsteps of Man Archaeological Cooperative is organizing this four-days rock art field trip to the major sites in the Italian and Swiss Central Alps (Valcamonica, Valtellina and Grigioni). The visits are led by archaeological experts from the Cooperative.

General program (please click on the thumbnails left, you'll reach more information) July 22, 1998 Valcamonica (Italy). Morning: National Park of Rock Engravings of Naquane (Capo di Ponte, the most important site, Copper Age and Iron Age engravings, 3 hours); Afternoon: Pià d'Ort (Capo di Ponte, very interesting Neolithic and Iron Age engravings, 3 hours). July 23, 1998 Valcamonica (Italy). Morning and afternoon: Paspardo (one of the most interesting sites in Valcamonica, with beautiful Copper Age "monuments" and richly engraved Iron Age surfaces, 3+3 hours . July 24, 1998 Valtellina (Italy). Morning: Teglio (15th century palace, by car). Afternoon: Grosio (the largest engraved rock in the Alps, 2 hours). July 25, 1998 Grigioni (Switzerland. Morning and afternoon: Carschenna (by car, through the beautiful Bernina pass -2300 m- and Julier Pass, the pass of the roman emperor Augustus -2200 m-, till Carschenna, 1000 m, 2 hours to see the rocks). Costs ITL 200,000 visits (US$ 110) ITL 160,000 transport* (US$ 90) Total: ITL 360,000 - actual rate (May 4, 1998) US$ 200 Costs do not cover personal insurance, meals and lodging. For hotel reservations contact the secretary. *Transport is facultative. Contact the secretary for further information For application and any further information please contact: Footsteps of Man Archaeological Cooperative Society Piazzale Donatori di Sangue n. 1 25040 CERVENO -BS- Tel. 0039-364-433.983 Fax 0039-364-43.43.51 (by June 19 1998 Tel. 0039-0364.433.983 Fax 0039-0364.43.43.51) internet: http://www.10mb.com/rupestre/ email:rupestre@10mb.com