The St. Andrea Neolithic Village and tre Archaeological Museum in Travo (Piacenza)
The Archaeological Park spreads over one hectare and is mainly devoted to
show and preserve the pre-historical structures dug up during the excavation
campaigns carried out since the year 1995.
The St. Andrea Neolithic Village presents a dense network of well-preserved
dwellings and workshops, of which several can be visited.
Archaeological area
In this area the archaeologists reinforced with special resins the
remains of the perimetric, rectangular ditches of two out six huts
identified in recent years.
Shelters were built to protect such finds. The shelters are wooden,
double-sloped and covered with thatch: they reproduce the same size, volumes
and materials of the ancient huts.
In the post holes, dug up during the excavations, the archaeologists placed
small poles so that the public can figure out the original shape of the
palisades and fences in different places across the village.
Near the southern boundary of the Park, one can see the ancient pebble
fence, which is now protected under a crystal and wood roof.
The visit itinerary is provided with panels explaining the history of the
site, the dwellings and workshops, our knowledge of the Neolithic, both in
Italy and abroad.
Since 2010 one can also see a real size reconstruction of some Neolithic
buildings, made of materials and furnished with objects that are copies of
the ones actually found in this place.
Inside the Park, special events are organized, a remake of the archaic
pottery manufacturing and firing techniques, the chipping of flint stone,
weaving and cooking.
It is also possible to experiment with the methods of research and
archaeological excavation in a special simulation space, where some
structures of the ancient site of St. Andrea (post holes, wells, kilns) were
re-created.
In the small reception hall one can find the ticket office, the bookshop,
and the rest rooms.
Near the Park entrance, a free parking lot is available. In the Park, there are rest rooms fit for the disable on a wheel chair, paths in compressed gravel with no step, explanatory panels, "touch-it way" for the blind, specialized staff who can lead you through the visit, special activities (upon reservation).
Educational programme
The educational programmes consist of the visit to the Park and/or
Museum and briefings presented in the Museum lecturing hall or directly in
the Park.
Our offer is flexible and fit for all types of schools in as far as contents
and workshop activities are concerned. Upon request, we can lecture directly
in the schools, besides courses on different topics. As to Prehistory, we
cover topics such as:
· Archaeology
· Restoration
· Human evolution
· Technologies
· Cults
· Prehistoric society
· Reconstructions
· Art
· Scientific methods for the study of Prehistory.
As far as the Roman period is concerned, the topics we can cover are:
· Archaeology
· Restoration
· Technologies
· Society
· Religion
· Art
· Scientific methods for the study of the Roman world.
We provide recreational programmes for summer camps, organisations and
institutions.
Please get in touch with our contact persons to organise the programmes
which best fit the needs of your institution. We shall be pleased to send
you our offer by e-mail
Facilities
Free parking
Disabled parking
Reception
Bookshop
Toilets
Disabled toilet
Archaeological area
Tours
School visits and learning activities
Summer courses
Eventi a tema
Eventi per bambini
The big house, made with wood and chest
The Travo Archaeo-museum
The Museum, opened in 1997 and located the marvellous Travo Castle,
originated from the determination to illustrate the history of ancient
settlement in our region.
The surveys carried out in the Middle Trebbia Valley by the Cultural
Research Group “La Minerva” of Travo over the past 15-20 years led to the
identification of 175 archaeological sites, of which 64 are pre-historic or
proto-historic, 90 Roman and 21 Middle Ages or modern.
The notable number of finds witnesses to a dense settlement of this area. In
some Neolithic and Bronze Age sites Archaelogical Authority of
Emilia-Romagna, together with the “La Minerva” Group carried out
archaeological excavations, which translated into new, significant knowledge
of the past.
The materials resulting from such research are now shown in the rooms of our
Museum, presenting items that span from the Palaeolithic to the Roman Age.
Travo Archaeological Museum Travo
Neolithic Hall (left) and Roman Hall (right) with devoted stele to Minerva