Menhirs and Cupule Rocks in the Laces-Val Martello Holiday Area

The Menhir statue of Laces and the Martello bowl stones

Altogether eleven menhirs were found in South Tyrol, and seven in Trentino, which consists of male, female and neutralmenhirs. The large stone monuments, furnished with engravings all around, once event painted, appear imposing and mystical.

The Laces menhir

During the renovations in 1992 at the Church of "Our Lady Al Colle", carried out by the regional authority for the protection of monuments, the Laces Menhir (dating between 3300-2200 BC) was discovered. The Laces Menhir is made from pure marble and, apart from symbolizing the Adige Mountain Group; it is also linked to the Lombard Valcamonica Mountain Group. This artefact attests to the cultural links that have been interconnected in this mountain region for thousands of years in what is today the Stelvio National Park.

Val Martello cup rock art

In the region between Coldrano/Goldrain and Castelbello/Kastelbell on Monte Sole mountain and Val Martello, numerous cupule rocks were found dating from between the Neolithic period and the Bronze Age. The significance of these prehistoric cup formations on the rock surfaces is unknown. Nowadays there are various interpretations for these prehistoric formations, which are believed to have been connected with forms of religious worship or may also have served more pragmatic purposes.

Local history and culture in Venosta Valley

The cultural region of Venosta Valley in South Tyrol is characterized by its lively customs, traditions and also sense of innovation; from the Romanesque “Stairways to Heaven” project through all periods of art up to contemporary architecture, art, theater and music.

Arrival

Departure