Museo Retico

The Museo Retico in Sanzeno presents archaeological finds from the Val di Non, from Paleolithic communities to the early Middle Ages. Its spiral exhibition route, the Pozzo del tempo, moves through the valley's prehistoric, Rhaetian, Roman and early Christian histories.

Why it matters

The museum is managed by the archaeology office of the Autonomous Province of Trento and serves as a centre for the valley's archaeology. Its contemporary building was designed by Trentino architect Sergio Giovanazzi. The collection gives particular attention to the Rhaeti, the pre-Roman people whose material culture forms a major part of the regional record.

What to notice

The Pozzo del tempo route begins with Paleolithic and Neolithic material, then moves through the Copper and Bronze Ages to the Rhaetian and Roman periods and the martyrs of Anaunia. A reconstruction of the Karnyx di Sanzeno, a Celtic war trumpet represented by locally found fragments, is accompanied by a sound installation. The Sanzeno Antica room traces the history of archaeological research in the valley. Finds from the Campi Neri sanctuary above Cles are also displayed.

Context and history

The museum combines exhibition spaces with education and research facilities, including teaching laboratories, a video and conference room, a section of the Pia Laviosa Zambotti archaeology library and an outdoor experimental archaeology area. The karnyx reconstruction was developed with the Bonporti Conservatory of Trento.