Old Rhaetia's mountains become an open-air museum: "Archaeology and Mountain" at MVSA

Old Rhaetia's mountains become an open-air museum

Opening: scheduled for 17:00 at the Museo Valtellinese di Storia e Arte (MVSA) in Sondrio. The exhibition "Archaeology and Mountain" launches a broader initiative dedicated to Alpine archaeology.

The exhibition is the Italian launch of the transboundary Archeo Alps project (Interreg Italy–Switzerland). The initiative is designed to enhance excavations and heritage across the area corresponding to ancient Roman Rhaetia, turning archaeological sites into interconnected hubs that combine scientific research, themed routes and sustainable tourism offers.

The geographic focus includes alpine valleys and regions:

• Upper Ticino (Alto Ticino)
• Graubünden (Grigioni)
• Valchiavenna
• Val Bregaglia
• Valtellina

Archeo Alps aims to set up a network of Alpine archaeological sites, develop thematic itineraries and exploit digital tools to guide visitors between digs, castles and historical settlements. The MVSA exhibition acts as a preview, offering a photographic route and deeper insights into often little-known locations, with the goal of encouraging visits, training and mindful cultural tourism.

What the exhibition offers:

• Photographic selection of key archaeological sites involved in the project.
• Historical and scientific briefings on ongoing research.
• Information on future themed trails and planned educational activities.

For cultural operators, researchers and heritage enthusiasts, the initiative opens up opportunities to explore dispersed Alpine heritage and to support local development rooted in culture and sustainability.