Valpolicella during the Prehistoric and Roman Age

Valpolicella is located in the western part of Verona and it is composed of Negrar valley, Marano valley, Fumane valley and some other small valleys. Its strategic geographical position (between the Alpes and the Po valley and next to the Adige river) is the reason why it has been frequented for many years: excavations in Fumane caves have shown the presence of Neanderthal man in this area (100.000-40.000 years ago). Afterwards population has increased during the Neolithic period (with the so-called “Squared mouth vases” culture as proved by S. Ambrogio di Valpolicella), the Copper age period (the so-called “Bell-shaped” culture, shown by Scalucce di Molina and Colombare di Negrar sites), the Bronze age (Le Guaite S. Anna d’Alfaredo village) and the Iron age (S. Giorgio di Valpolicella). Finally, during the Roman age, Valpolicella has been occupied by Arusnates’ pagus, a population of uncertain origin (from Veneto, Rhaetian, Etruscan, Celtic) who had its religious center in S. Giorgio area. The trip implies visiting the three main local settlements (from the most ancient one, the Fumane cave, to Le Guaite village of the Bronze age and the 4th century village located behind the Pieve of S. Giorgio di Valpolicella). Moreover you can have a look of the significant prehistorical, proto-historic and Roman evidences of this area held at S. Giorgio di Valpolicella Museum and S. Anna d’Alfaedo Museum.

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NOTE LOGISTICHE
This trip will last one day travelling by car from one stop to the other: 30 km in total. From S. Giorgio di Valpolicella at piazza Pieve (where it is possibile to park) take via Torre until SP 33 Fumane direction. From Fumane following indications to Molina: after approximately 2 km, at the junction for Molina, turn right following “Grotta di Fumane” indications. The site is located after 3 km, close to the road. In order to reach S. Anna d’Alfaedo, go along via Progni up to Molina; passing through Breonio, Fosse and along SP 12 you can reach S. Anna. Finally, to reach Le Guaite village, continue along SP 12 for about 2 km until the junction (on the left) with via Castelliere.