The archeological site of St. Martino dominates the Tennese area, the plain of Riva and the ancient itineraries of Ledro valley.

Located at 800 Mt above sea level, it separates the Magnone valley and the Ballino pass from the course of the Gamella-Albola torrent and from the Bocca di Trat pass.

Considered one of the most important sites of the Trentino region, the settlement was inhabited during the protohistorical age and the middle ages.

Excavations began in the 1960s thanks to some local enthusiasts, and later in the 1970s; at the top of the mountain a sanctuary area was found, dating from the iron age.

During the roman time an architectonical complex, distributed on many different rooms, was also erected in the area.

Dating from the roman age, there have been found many votive images and monuments such as altars with inscriptions that, even if written in Latin, are sometimes difficult to read because of their relation with local gods.

A large settlement, probably dating back to the medieval age, has been discovered not far from the sanctuary during the latest excavations (1996-2005).

These are also large buildings with a complex plan that are adapted to the terrain and follow it completely until the edge of the nearby precipice.

In the centre of this vast area is the small church of St Martino, patron saint of the Francs and pilgrims. It has been built on top of older remains, and during the excavations some roman age inscriptions have been found, along with several valuable archictectonical fragments from the 8th century.

The church was restored many times, until in the middle of the 18th century the Bishop of Trento ordered it demolished. The memory of the little church remained though, and the name St Martino was acquired by the entire site that was previously named “Englo”.

Today the area of St Martino has been provided with facilities and is one of the most interesting cultural itineraries in Trentino.

mail to info-at-archeosanmartino-dot-it