The “Coren delle Fate” polythematic pathway, an archaeological site located inside the extensive Adamello Natural Park, is established in 2007 after the researches made by Ausilio Priuli in previous years.

The area, first notified in 1950, is studied initially by Dr. Emmanuel Anati, the founder and director of Centro Camuno di Studi Preistorici, who finds and publishes the Sonico “idol”, a geometrical figure on Rock 1. Later, Priuli’s work produces broader investigation of the area and more engraved surfaces are spotted, hence the creation of the park.

Situated in Upper Camonica Valley, the area is characterized by micaschistic rocks (Edolo schists), hard and rough, not at all easy to scratch. These rocks, typical also in the nearby municipal archaeological and mineral park of Sellero, differ from the ones that surface in the middle valley parks: easy-to-scratch Permian sandstones of purple-mauve colour.

Leaving the car in the historic centre of Sonico, start off on the path marked with “Adamello Park” signs. The trail penetrates into a charming chestnut wood slightly uphill to a fork where, following the signs, take the steeper route to the engraved rocks.

On Rock 1, the first engraved surface you meet on the trail, you can’t but stare in wonder at the surrounding sight: these engravings are some of the northernmost ones in the valley and they are strategically located in a place that stands above the modern dwellings. From this natural terrace the view extends to the Valley of Corteno, on the way to Valtellina, and the town of Edolo, beyond which stand Tonale Pass and Trentino.

The art that can be admired on the outcrops belongs mostly to two types: geometrical figures and shovels. Circles, lines and cupmarks (little circular carvings) alternate and join in various ways creating compositions often united by lines and grooves. According to an initial study, proposed by Dr. Anati in the 1960s, some circular figures of Rock 1 may represent an “idol” datable to the Neolithic (5th-4th millennium BCE). Later researches brought about the hypothesis that they may be topografic representations, as they occur in many other parts of the Valley.

Among the various figures, very interesting are the radial wheels, probably related to solar cycles and sacred fires. Beside the numerous geometric figures, there are very few representational engravings. Among them, quite common are the “shovel” figures.

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