Our exploration of Lake Garda’s prehistoric past takes us to some of the many places on the slopes of Monte Baldo that feature petroglyphs. The area concerned is extensive. Most of the petroglyphs are situated in the Torri del Benaco area that reaches from Crero to Brancolino and borders on Garda.

In close proximity to Crero is the so-called Roccia Grande, the largest piece of rock covered with petroglyphs in the area. The area around Brancolino features petroglyphs that were discovered in the 1960s and mostly depict boats. Drawings of weapons were uncovered later. These were created much earlier, around the 1st century B.C. The petroglyphs were made by engraving or bush-hammering with hard stone such as serpentine or quartzite. The petroglyphs are more clearly visible in the morning light when wet.

To visit the petroglyphs in the Crero area, it is advisable to leave the car in Torri and follow the mule track leading to the Coi quarter. Brancolino is also best reached on foot. We recommend leaving one’s car in San Vigilio and walking along the Strada dei Catèi that was once the only connecting road between Torri and Garda.

Some of the most beautiful petrogylphs can be seen in the “Sala delle Incisioni” at the museum of the Scaliger castle in Torri del Benaco.