ROMITO CAVE

Romito Cave, discovered in 1961, is one of the oldest and most important prehistoric sites in Europe, that testifies the presence of man in the area since the Paleolithic period. It is located about 10 km from the village of Papasidero, near the gorges of the Lao River, in a landscape of caves and rock walls.

The excavation campaigns brought to light important finds including the remains of a young hunter who lived about 17,000 years ago, three double burials of individuals, and many lithic and bone finds. Studies indicate that the site was frequented between 23000 and 10000 years ago.

The most important discovery, however, is the "Bos primigenius" graffito, a rock carving depicting a prehistoric bovid, Aurochs, made with precise strokes, incredible respect for proportion and detail, and impressive depiction in perspective. The Romito Cave graffito is one of the most important examples of rock art of prehistoric times, making the archaeological site unique worldwide.