🌿 Tremoli & Papasidero – a landscape of time and silence

🕳️ 2. Grotta del Romito – Prehistoric cave and archaeological site

Grotta del Romito is one of the most important prehistoric sites in Europe, located near Papasidero in the Valle del Lao.
The cave contains rock engravings and human remains dating back to the Late Paleolithic (almost 20,000 years ago) and the Neolithic period.
The most famous engraving is a depiction of the Bos primigenius (aurochs), a wild boar, which is one of the most important examples of prehistoric art in Italy.
Excavations began in 1961 and since then extensive discoveries have been made, including grave goods and lithic objects.
Nowadays you can visit the cave with a guide and there is an Antiquarium (small museum) where artefacts and explanations can be seen.

⛪ 3. Santuario di Santa Maria di Costantinopoli (Papasidero)

This sanctuary (santuario) is located in Papasidero, not far from Tremoli, and dates back in its present form to the 17th century.
Partly carved into the rock, it contains a fresco of the Madonna of Constantinople, an important religious work of art that attracts pilgrims.

🏘️ 4. Ancient villages and archaeological context of Papasidero

Papasidero itself has a medieval historic center, with narrow streets and old buildings dating back to centuries of development in southern Italy.
In the area there are also other small hamlets and even the “ghost village” of Avena, with abandoned houses and legends about life in the past.

🗺️ Brief overview of what can be seen

🧭 Tips for visiting or further research

The Romito site is a fantastic place if you are interested in prehistoric archaeology and early human art.
Combine a visit to the cave with a hike in the Valle del Lao or in the Pollino National Park for nature and landscape.
Local churches like San Michele Arcangelo give you a feel for the local religious architecture and traditions.