Hidden Treasures: The Archaeological Area San Martino
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/ The village CampiPhoto: Archivio Garda Trentino, Garda Trentino -
/ The village of CampiPhoto: Archivio Garda Trentino, Garda Trentino
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/ Chestnut grove near San Martino in CampiPhoto: M. Meiche, Garda Trentino
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/ Archeological Area San Martino (Riva del Garda loc. Campi)Photo: Marco Meiche, Garda Trentino
An easy walk to the San Martino Archaeological Area near Campi by Riva del Garda
The archeological site San Martino is one of the most important of Garda Trentino. Excavations uncovered a place of worship dating back to Pre-Roman times (3rd- 1st century B.C.) which in the middle of the first century B.C. was converted into a Roman sanctuary (1st century B.C. - 4th century A.D.), with the addition of a monumental staircase which can still be used today. This building, perched at the edge of the cliff, offers a breathtaking view over the towns beneath. Another few minutes and you come to the ruins of a village abandoned due to fire in the 8th century A.D. Here you can just make out the ruins of a little church dedicated to San Martino (8th -18th century A.D.)
Author’s recommendation
The findings unearthed on the site are located in the MAG Museum of Riva del Garda (www.museoaltogarda.it) and the Documentation Center in Pranzo (reservation required, tel. +39 349 4952623).
Rest Stop
Rifugio Capanna GrassiSafety information
The Hidden Treasures itineraries were designed in order to give visitors a chance to get to know places in Garda Trentino that are off the beaten track. For this reason, the signposting is not always in the same style and sometimes missing altogether. We therefore recommend you to take a good map with you on these excursions. And then bear in mind your general reference points: Lake Garda = South, Monte Stivo = East, Rocchetta = West, Arco Castle = North.
The telephone number for the emergency services is 112.
The information on this chart is subject to inevitable variations, so this means that none of the indications are absolute. It is not entirely possible to avoid giving inexact or imprecise information, given how quickly environmental and weather conditions can change. For this reason we decline any responsibility for changes which the user may encounter. In any case, the hiker is advised to check the conditions of the places, environment and weather before setting out.
Equipment
You need to be wearing the right clothing and take the proper gear when you go hiking in the mountains. Even on relatively short easy outings make sure to take all you need so you don't run into trouble if things take an unexpected turn, for example a storm blows up or you have a sudden drop in energy levels.
What should you take when you go on a hike?
What you should have in your rucksack (for a day trip a 25/30L capacity should do):
- water canteen (1L)
- snacks (e.g. mixed dried fruit or chocolate)
- First aid kit
- windproof jacket
- fleece
- change of t-shirt and socks (in a plastic bag)
- make sure to wear or at least bring a pair of long trousers
- hat
- sun screen
- sunglasses
- gloves
- whistle to attract attention in an emergency
- emergency telephone number: 112
Make sure you're wearing the right footwear for the trail and season. The going can get rough and rocky underfoot and a pair of hiking boots will protect you from sprains. When wet, a grassy slope, rocky slab or steep trail can be dangerous unless you are wearing the proper footwear.
And finally... ... don't forget to bring your camera! You'll need it to capture the stunning views you come across all over Garda Trentino. And if you like, you can share your memories with us at #GardaTrentino.
Tips, hints and links
- Uphill from the archeological area the itinerary passes through a chestnut grove. The sweet chestnut tree was widely grown in Trentino as elsewhere because of the major economic importance it had for mountain people who depended on it as a subsistence food. The fruit of this tree is highly nutritious and formed an important part of the local diet. Testimony to this are the numerous chestnut woods in Garda Trentino, including those in Drena, Pranzo, Tenno and Campi. Today the "maroni" (larger and tastier than normal chestnuts) play a major part in the menu for festivals and speciality menus for the autumn season.
- For further information on routes, activities, events and accommodation at lake Garda: APT Garda Trentino, Tel. +39 0464 554444 - www.gardatrentino.it
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
From the parking follow the signposted path to the archaeological area, which you will reach near the service hut. At the end of the visit, return to the entrance and this time take the path going up the hill through the chestnut grove, ending on the road to Capanna Grassi not far from the parking. Walk a few minutes downhill on this road to return to the starting point.
Note
Getting there
You can get to Campi from Riva del Garda by the road SS 240 and then, turning left, SP 37: after the town of Pranzo, turn left at the fork and you will soon come to Campi (about 12 km from Riva).
Getting to northern lake Garda / Garda Trentino: www.gardatrentino.it
Parking
Free parking on the road to Capanna Grassi near the beginning of the access trail to the archeological area.
Author’s map recommendations
- The “Hidden Treasures” brochure is available free of charge in the tourist information offices in Riva del Garda, Arco and Torbole sul Garda
Questions & answers
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