In the town of Fumane, on the old road that leads to Molina, in the Val dei Progni in the 60s, the archaeologist Giovanni Solinas discovered what is now called Riparo Solinas or simply Grotta di Fumane.
In addition to animal bones, artifacts (scrapers, perforated shells, flint tips) dating back to the period of transition between the Neanderthals and Homo Sapiens were found. The most important finding remains a painted stone, considered the oldest painting exhibit in all of Europe. The Shaman depicted in one of these paintings is an anthropomorphic figure, whose head bears two horns and whose arms are heads outward. In the Aurignacian art similar figures are known, interpreted as sorcerers or shamans in ecstasy.
HOW TO GET THERE
Grotta di Fumane is located in the Valle dei Progni, about 6 km north of the town of Fumane, in the heart of Valpolicella. From Fumane, follow the signs for Molina and, after about 4 km, at the crossroads, keep right, towards Grotta di Fumane. It is good to leave your car at the parking lot of Trattoria Valsorda, going up the last 600 meters on foot, along the paved road.
