Antiquarium di Assergi

The Antiquarium of Assergi preserves archaeological finds from caves, church excavations and a nearby necropolis, tracing human activity on the western Gran Sasso.

Why it matters

The collection gives a local perspective on prehistoric and early historic communities in the Apennines. Its finds document the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to farming communities and the later Vestini.

What to notice

Stone tools, ceramics and animal bones represent different periods from the Palaeolithic through the Bronze Age. A reconstructed third-century BC tomb from the Vestinian necropolis of Bazzano anchors the later part of the collection.

Context and history

The objects derive from investigations at Grotta a Male, Santa Maria di Assergi and Camarda. Together they document human occupation of the western Gran Sasso over thousands of years. The antiquarium is housed in former convent rooms now associated with the national park.