Parco Archeologico Comunale di Seradina-Bedolina

On the slope above Capo di Ponte, the Seradina and Bedolina areas preserve rock engravings spanning millennia. Bedolina is home to the celebrated Bedolina Map, whose meaning remains debated.

Why it matters

Established by the Comune di Capo di Ponte in 2005 to protect and interpret the area's rock art, the park covers a hillside between 400 and 600 metres above sea level. Its warm microclimate supports plant species such as prickly pear (Opuntia compressa). The Bedolina Map, on a natural terrace above the valley, is one of the best-known images in the park; Seradina preserves finely incised scenes of hunts, duels and other aspects of life.

What to notice

Roccia 12 of Seradina I carries roughly a hundred figures, including deer hunts, ploughing, duelists, horsemen, stags, dogs, raised-arm praying figures and hut outlines. Other surfaces show angular armed warriors, North Etruscan inscriptions and horn-shaped forms, possibly musical instruments. The Bedolina Map depicts enclosed fields, paths and groups of figures; interpretations of its purpose include territorial and ritual readings.

Context and history

Reports of the engravings date to the 1930s, and systematic study began in 1963 under Emmanuel Anati, founder of the Centro Camuno di Studi Preistorici. Research distinguished the park's areas of Seradina and Bedolina, and the Soprintendenza carried out protective restoration of the Bedolina Map. Cascina Vecchia houses the Raccolta Museale Battista Maffessoli. The collection displays plaster casts of rock engravings and documents connected with local guide and researcher Battista Maffessoli.