An open-air museum preserving and interpreting a Neolithic settlement through consolidated archaeological structures, full-scale building reconstructions, and immersive environmental recreation.
At a glance
The Archaeological Park presents the remains of a Neolithic village, where six huts have been identified through excavation. Visitors encounter consolidated perimeter channels, reconstructed domestic structures, and interpretive panels explaining daily life, residential design, and the broader Neolithic context of Italy and the local region. The park recreates the ancient landscape with period-appropriate flora and fauna silhouettes.
History
The Neolithic site of S.Andrea was investigated over recent years, revealing substantial evidence of human settlement. The area was opened to the public as an archaeological park in 2006, with full-scale hut reconstructions added in 2010, on the initiative of the Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio (Sbap-pr) following expropriation and joint funding from Emilia-Romagna Region, the Municipality of Travo, the European Community, the Piacenza Foundation, and Vigevano. The Archeotravo organization now manages educational and cultural programming at the site.
What you see
Two of the six huts have been consolidated in their original locations, showing rectangular perimeter channels and domestic floor plans. Full-scale reconstructions built since 2010 employ copies of artifacts and materials authentically recovered from excavation. Vegetation—shrubs and trees documented in Neolithic contexts—frames the site, offering a tangible sense of the ancient environment and settlement pattern within the Trebbia valley landscape.
Cultural significance
The park bridges archaeology and public engagement, making Neolithic Italian heritage accessible beyond academic study. Educational workshops, experimental archaeology demonstrations, and historical reenactments serve families, schools, and specialist audiences. This approach prioritizes low environmental impact while connecting visitors directly to evidence of early agricultural societies and the daily practices that shaped European prehistory.
Key facts
- Address: Via Colombo Giovanni, 8G, 29020 Travo (PC)
- Coordinates: 44.8636314, 9.5481669
- Official website: www.archeotravo.com
- Phone: 340 3506532
Practical information
The park hosts guided tours, theme days with workshops, festivals, and expert-led talks throughout the year. Educational programs accommodate school groups, families, summer camps, and individual visitors. Opening hours and current event schedules are available through the official website and contact number.
Getting there
The Archaeological Park is located in Travo, a small municipality in the province of Piacenza, in the Trebbia valley. Detailed directions and parking information are available from Archeotravo or the official website.
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