VIA RAETIA

A walk through the landscapes of the Camonica Valley, with chestnut groves, Romanesque churches and UNESCO World Heritage rock carvings. Five STAGES from Boario Terme to Edolo to discover, step by step, the millennial history of a unique territory. A slow journey, between nature and archaeology, in the footsteps of ancient prehistoric men, inhabitants of the area.

DISCOVER THE STAGES

In the heart of northern Italy, among the majestic mountains of Lombardy, an ancient route winds through the Camonica Valley: the Via Raetia.

This approximately 95-kilometer walk, divided into five stages from Boario Terme to Edolo, is a journey through time and space.

This itinerary narrates the exciting journey of mankind, from the earliest depictions of religiosity and daily life to the present day, leading the traveler past imposing medieval castles and striking Romanesque parish churches, through dense chestnut groves and wide scenic glades.

As many as 13 extraordinary archaeological sites with rock carvings, recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, are encountered along the way.

The Via Raetia represents a unique opportunity to discover the extraordinary Camonica Valley through slow and conscious tourism. A walk that invites you to slow down, listen to the territory and walk in the footsteps of the ancients, rediscovering the sense of travel as an experience of discovery and connection with history and nature.

Scheda Tecnica

  • Lunghezza:

    95 km

  • Tappe:

    5

  • Partenza:

    Boario Terme

  • Arrivo:

    Edolo

HISTORY

Via Raetia was born in 2011, by Carlo Zani, from the desire to ideally retrace the path that prehistoric man took in ascending the Camonica Valley more than thirteen thousand years ago, enriching it with numerous megalithic sanctuaries and thousands of rock engravings, recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site to be protected and enhanced.
Suspended in 2020, Via Raetia returns today with a new route that touches on new archaeological sites, following a route that is immersed in nature but does not neglect visits to typical mountain villages.

SIGNAGE

At the moment, Via Raetia does not have specific signage on the territory. To properly orient yourself along the route, we recommend using the GPS tracks in combination with the stage-by-stage descriptive in the printed guidebook. It is essential to know how to use the GPS and tracks correctly in order to follow the route safely.

WATER

The abundant presence of springs, springs and fountains ensures an almost constant supply of water along the route. The only situation of scarcity is in STAGE 5 (between Cevo and Zazza).

IN TENT

We are currently working to identify suitable areas for tent walking.

CREDENTIAL

The Passport (equivalent of a credential but with the page format, similar to a passport) can be purchased on the website, at a cost of €5 each , at this link: https://viaraetia.org/passaporto.php

The Memoria Itineris (equivalent of the Testimonium) can be requested at the end of the route, from those who provide copies of the stamped pages of the Passport.

CONTACTS

Website: viaraetia.org
Email: info@viaraetia.org
Facebook: facebook.com/ViaRaetia.ValleCamonica
Instagram: instagram.com/ViaRaetia

STAGE 01

STAGE 01: from the Boario Hot Springs to the Sunshine Plateau.

Departure: Boario Terme
Arrival: Borno
Distance: 17.3 km
Height difference: +1138 m / 576 m
Difficulty: Medium

The walk begins at the fascinating Luine Archaeological Park, where you can admire some of the oldest rock carvings in the valley. It continues to the spa town of Boario, then climbs through lush forests to the impressive Annunciata monastery with its precious frescoes. The STAGE ends in the ancient village of Borno after visiting the mysterious sanctuary of Valzel de Undine.

STAGE 02

STAGE 02: From the Sunshine Plateau to the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site: the rock carvings

Departure: Borno
Arrival: Capo di Ponte
Distance: 28.3 km
Height difference: +763m / -1297 m
Difficulty: Challenging

A fascinating STAGE to discover the Romanization of the valley, leading from the prehistoric sanctuary of Asinino Anvoia down to Cividate Camuno, the ancient Civitas Camunnorum, where the National Archaeological Museum houses priceless Roman artifacts. The walk continues along the Oglio River to Breno, dominated by its imposing medieval castle, and finally reaches Capo di Ponte, the heart of the UNESCO archaeological heritage.

Note on the breakdown of STAGE 2 and 3: Stages 2 and 3 of the route can be reshaped: for example, Stage 2 with arrival in Breno can be shortened, thus breaking up the walk differently. The original subdivision, with a very short Stage 3, was designed to give walkers enough time to visit all the archaeological parks in this area, which represents the heart of rock engravings in the Camonica Valley.

STAGE 03

STAGE 03: In the heart of the Unesco World Heritage Site: the main rock carving sites in the valley

Departure: Capo di Ponte
Arrival: Cimbergo
Distance: 7.9 km
Height difference: +779 m / -287 m
Difficulty: Easy

A day entirely dedicated to the extraordinary Camuna rock art in the famous archaeological parks of Naquane, Foppe di Nadro and Massi di Cemmo. The highest density of rock engravings in Europe is concentrated here, with more than 140,000 engraved figures depicting hunting scenes, warriors in combat, cosmic symbols and sacred rituals covering a time span of 8,000 years. The trail ends at the striking ruins of the medieval castle of Cimbergo.

Note on the breakdown of STAGE 2 and 3: Stages 2 and 3 of the route can be reshaped: for example, Stage 2 with arrival in Breno can be shortened, thus breaking up the walk differently. The original subdivision, with a very short Stage 3, was designed to give walkers enough time to visit all the archaeological parks in this area, which represents the heart of rock engravings in the Camonica Valley.

STAGE 04

STAGE 04: From the bread tree forests to the extraordinary Saviore Valley

Departure: Cimbergo
Arrival: Cevo
Distance: 21.5 km
Height difference: +1236 m / -966 m
Difficulty: Challenging

The path follows an ancient route that halfway up the mountainside joined the villages of Val Saviore, passing through centuries-old forests and alpine pastures of extraordinary beauty. It encounters the isolated rock of the Capitello dei Due Pini, considered an ancient prehistoric astronomical observatory, continuing on to the decommissioned Isola hydroelectric power plant, an important example of industrial archaeology. The STAGE touches the characteristic villages of Valle, Ponte and Saviore before reaching Cevo.

STAGE 05

STAGE 05: From the Pian della Regia, the last bastion of World War I, to the industrious center of Edolo

Departure: Cevo
Arrival: Edolo
Distance: 20.7 km
Height difference: +905 m / -1351 m
Difficulty: Challenging

The last STAGE passes through centuries-old chestnut groves and travels along the significant Sentiero della Memoria (Path of Remembrance), a historic trail that preserves evidence of World War I among fortifications, trenches and military posts carved into the rock. The path continues to the enigmatic Coren delle Fate archaeological park, ending the journey in historic Edolo.

  • STAGE 01 - Archeopark Boario Terme
  • STAGE 02 - Breno Castle
  • STAGE 03 - Engraving at Naquane Park in Capo di Ponte
  • STAGE 04 - Castle in Cimberga
  • STAGE 05 - Memory Trail