Preda de l'altar

The Preda de l'altar is a large boulder on Monte Cerreto above Bienno, associated in local tradition with prehistoric ritual.

Why it matters

The I Borghi più Belli d'Italia profile describes the Preda as a boulder used as a place of cult in prehistoric times. A valley tourism account associates it with the ancient Camuni and ritual sites. These are source-attributed interpretations; the boulder's precise archaeological status is not established here. The setting is part of Monte Cerreto's landscape above the village.

What to notice

The boulder is described by local tourism material as an erratic stone with squared faces. Monte Cerreto's landscape also includes the Sentieri del Cerreto and wooden sculptures from the Bosco di Quercus project, including the owl Rocco.

Context and history

Local legend, as retold by Bienno Turismo, identifies the boulder as an altar used by druids. That account is legend rather than proof of a specific prehistoric rite. Bienno's better-documented later history includes ironworking, mills and the water system that supported its workshops.