Transnational serial site (led by Switzerland) comprises well 111 settlementsdating from 5000 to 500 BC, located on the banks of lakes or rivers in Switzerland, Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Slovenia.
As many as 19 sites are located in Italy, spread over five different regions, 10 of which are in Lombardy alone. On Lake Varese, the oldest pile-dwelling structuresdating back to the beginning of the Neolithicwhile the Lake Garda area has the highest concentration of pile dwellings with more than 30 settlements.
The settlements provide an accurate and detailed picture of the region's first farming communities. They are true snapshots of everyday life, telling us about the farming and domestic animal husbandry practices of early humans and informing us about their technological innovations.
Due to their particular characteristics, the pile dwellings constitute a rich and hidden heritage, particularly fragile and difficult to value. The Unesco recognition has made it possible to increase the defence and protection of these areas, while at the same time promoting their knowledge.
Numerous temporary exhibitions, many museums, various private collections and archaeological parks provide the opportunity to learn about the artefacts found at the sites and offer reconstructions of the pile-dwelling sites, highlighting the uniqueness of these prehistoric villages.
Project financed with funds from Law no. 77 of 20 February 2006
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