Territory Museum fo the Lagorara Valley
Lagorara Valley: Nature and History Intertwined
The Lagorara Valley, located in the Upper Val di Vara, in the municipality of Maissana, is a place where nature has remained largely untouched. Rich in chestnut trees and crossed by the rio Lagorara, the valley offers particularly scenic landscapes, where the deep green of the trees and the waters of the stream create an atmosphere of timeless tranquility and beauty.
An Extraordinary Archaeological Treasure
Since 1987, the valley has gained an additional reason for interest: at about 750 meters of altitude, in an area that extends for several hundred meters, an ancient jasper mine was identified. Experts worldwide have judged it of great historical and scientific importance, as it represents a very rare example of a large open-air quarry.
Traces of the Past
Excavations and subsequent studies have revealed that, between 3500 and 2000 B.C., our ancestors extracted jasper, a siliceous sedimentary stone with a distinctive bright red color. This material was used to make arrowheads and various tools. Human presence is evidenced by the numerous marks left in the area, which tell the story of ancient mining activity and the ingenuity of its inhabitants.
A Walking Visit Through Time
Visiting the site is done on foot and begins at the Centro di Accoglienza, where fragments of jasper and artifacts from the ancient mine are displayed. Walking along the valley paths means immersing oneself in an extraordinary natural landscape while connecting with a piece of millennia-old history.
Sources
Geoportale Regione Liguria_Musei e raccolte
Trekking and cycling routes that may interest you
Itineraries of different durations and suitable for every taste and level of preparation, to discover the most beautiful and evocative places and panoramas of the Ligurian Tigullio.
Local experiences that might interest you
Let yourself be guided and be surprised by the hidden treasures that the Ligurian Tigullio area is capable of offering you in every season.
Sport
Hiking routes, climbing, mountain biking and much more… Choose the sport in contact with nature that’s right for you!
Culture
Shows, Theatre, Music, Food and Wine, Reading… Experience the cultural and artistic proposals, immersed in the Ligurian landscape.
Nature
Geology, bird watching, nature engineering and other initiatives, to cultivate awareness and responsibility for environmental issues.
More heritage that may interest you
Catalog of the tangible and intangible heritage, a precious resource of the Tigullio for community building and local development.
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Preserve the history and traditions of the Ligurian Tigullio area and keep them alive for future generations.