{"id":2573,"date":"2022-08-30T13:03:54","date_gmt":"2022-08-30T12:03:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/walks.friday.ie\/?p=2573"},"modified":"2025-12-15T14:42:52","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T14:42:52","slug":"prehistoric-archaeological-sites","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/prehistoric-archaeological-sites","title":{"rendered":"Prehistoric Italy: 5 Fascinating Sites with Italy&#8217;s Oldest Ruins"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"511\">The archaeological sites in Pompeii and Rome are undeniably fascinating, but believe it or not, they\u2019re far from the oldest ancient ruins in Italy. Long before the rise of the Roman Empire, and even before written history, early civilizations were already leaving their mark on the Italian landscape. From mysterious stone carvings and monumental tombs to cave dwellings carved directly into rock,\u00a0 prehistoric Italy offers a rare glimpse into how the earliest Italian inhabitants lived, worshipped, and survived.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"513\" data-end=\"958\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">If you\u2019re curious to go beyond the usual highlights and discover a deeper, lesser-known layer of Italian history, exploring prehistoric Italy is a rewarding place to start. Often located off the beaten path and far less crowded than Italy\u2019s famous ruins, these sites feel raw, atmospheric, and remarkably untouched by time. Here are five of our favorite prehistoric sites in Italy, with origins dating all the way back to the 8th millennium B.C.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/prehistoric-archaeological-sites\/#5_sites_of_%E2%80%9CPrehistoric_Italy%E2%80%9D\" >5 sites of &#8220;Prehistoric Italy&#8221;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/prehistoric-archaeological-sites\/#The_%E2%80%9CPrehistoric_Pompeii%E2%80%9D_of_the_Avellino_eruption\" >The &#8220;Prehistoric Pompeii&#8221; of the Avellino eruption<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/prehistoric-archaeological-sites\/#Giants_graves_of_Sardinia\" >Giants&#8217; graves of Sardinia<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/prehistoric-archaeological-sites\/#Nuraghi_of_Sardinia\" >Nuraghi of Sardinia<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/prehistoric-archaeological-sites\/#Neolithic_caves_of_Matera\" >Neolithic caves of Matera<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/prehistoric-archaeological-sites\/#The_Stone_carvings_of_Val_Camonica\" >The Stone carvings of Val Camonica<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/prehistoric-archaeological-sites\/#FAQ%C2%B4s_%E2%80%93_Prehistoric_Italy\" >FAQ\u00b4s &#8211; Prehistoric Italy<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/prehistoric-archaeological-sites\/#How_can_I_visit_Italys_prehistoric_sites_without_a_car\" >How can I visit Italy\u2019s prehistoric sites without a car?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/prehistoric-archaeological-sites\/#Which_prehistoric_sites_are_easiest_to_combine_with_a_classic_Italy_itinerary\" >Which prehistoric sites are easiest to combine with a classic Italy itinerary?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/prehistoric-archaeological-sites\/#Are_Italys_prehistoric_sites_suitable_for_families_and_casual_visitors\" >Are Italy\u2019s prehistoric sites suitable for families and casual visitors?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_sites_of_%E2%80%9CPrehistoric_Italy%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>5 sites of &#8220;Prehistoric Italy&#8221;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_%E2%80%9CPrehistoric_Pompeii%E2%80%9D_of_the_Avellino_eruption\"><\/span>The &#8220;Prehistoric Pompeii&#8221; of the Avellino eruption<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_2757\" style=\"width: 402px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/Vesuvius-footprints-Avellino-prehistoric.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2757\" class=\"wp-image-2757 size-full\" title=\"Prehistoric footprints from the Avellino eruption\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/Vesuvius-footprints-Avellino-prehistoric.jpeg\" alt=\"Prehistoric site at Nola, near Vesuvius\" width=\"392\" height=\"599\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-2757\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Footprints from the Avellino eruption<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Some 2,000 years\u00a0<em>before\u00a0<\/em>Pompeii was destroyed, Mt. Vesuvius blew\u00a0its top in a catastrophe dubbed the\u00a0Avellino Eruption. Despite the different name, it had similar consequences for nearby towns as it would in 79 A.D.<\/p>\n<p>One Bronze Age village, Nola, at Croce del Papa in Campania, was &#8220;frozen in time,&#8221; complete with huts, pottery, and footprints of fleeing inhabitants. Even furniture was preserved.\u00a0This unprecedented find was one of the most important for Bronze Age archaeology in the world!<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, the prehistoric Italian village of Nola is currently closed because of water damage\u2014but stay tuned to find out when it might reopen.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Giants_graves_of_Sardinia\"><\/span>Giants&#8217; graves of Sardinia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_2754\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/Sardinia-prehistoric-tombs.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2754\" class=\"wp-image-2754 size-full\" title=\"Prehistoric tombs in Sardinia, Italy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/Sardinia-prehistoric-tombs.jpeg\" alt=\"Giants' graves of Sardinia\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/Sardinia-prehistoric-tombs.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/Sardinia-prehistoric-tombs-768x576.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-2754\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The &#8220;giants&#8217; graves&#8221; of Sardinia<\/p><\/div>\n<p>There&#8217;s more to visiting Sardinia than sun and sand (Although Sardinia does have one of the<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/all-around-italy\/italy-beach\"> best beaches in Italy<\/a><\/strong>. The Nuragic civilization reigned here from about the 18th century B.C. all the way up to the 2nd century A.D. And, not surprisingly, they left a mark! One of our favorites are the\u00a0&#8220;Giants&#8217; Graves&#8221;\u2014monumental tombs\u2014that date all the way back to the Bronze Age.\u00a0So far, 321 have been found across the island! You don&#8217;t need to see all them, but one or two should be one your list of what to do in Sardinia.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Nuraghi_of_Sardinia\"><\/span>Nuraghi of Sardinia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_2755\" style=\"width: 1010px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/Travel-Series.-Ancient-sardinian-nuragh-above-the-sea-Capo-Testa-Sardinia..jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2755\" class=\"wp-image-2755 size-full\" title=\"Prehistoric site in Italy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/Travel-Series.-Ancient-sardinian-nuragh-above-the-sea-Capo-Testa-Sardinia..jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/Travel-Series.-Ancient-sardinian-nuragh-above-the-sea-Capo-Testa-Sardinia..jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/Travel-Series.-Ancient-sardinian-nuragh-above-the-sea-Capo-Testa-Sardinia.-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-2755\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Prehistoric nuragh in Sardinia<\/p><\/div>\n<p>As well as the Giants&#8217; graves (and as well as temples, sacred pits, and other fascinating remnants), the people of the Nuragic civilization left behind these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/travel\/article\/20221017-nuraghi-sardinias-mysterious-beehive-towers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">unusual structures &#8211; stoney constructions<\/a> that have been compared to beehives. We call them <em>nuraghi (<\/em>or\u00a0<em>nuraghe<\/em>) if there is only one, but we don&#8217;t know what they were for. Dwelling? Temple? Fortification? This site from prehistoric Italy remains an enigma.<\/p>\n<p>What makes the mystery even more compelling is that there are so many <em>nuraghi<\/em> on such a small island. Nearly 7,000 <em>nuraghi<\/em> stand like forgotten sentinels on the mediterranean landscape, guarding over a culture long disappeared.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Neolithic_caves_of_Matera\"><\/span>Neolithic caves of Matera<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_2575\" style=\"width: 1010px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/Palaeolithic-caves.-Matera.-Basilicata..jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2575\" class=\"wp-image-2575 size-full\" title=\"Neolithic caves in Matera, interesting archaeological sites\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/Palaeolithic-caves.-Matera.-Basilicata..jpg\" alt=\"Sassi of Matera, prehistoric sites\" width=\"1000\" height=\"664\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/Palaeolithic-caves.-Matera.-Basilicata..jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/Palaeolithic-caves.-Matera.-Basilicata.-768x510.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-2575\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Matera&#8217;s Neolithic caves<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The hauntingly beautiful settlement of Matera, located in the southern region of Basilicata, is home to one of the first human settlements in Italy. As early as the 13th century B.C., Paleolithic settlers carved cave-dwellings out of the rocks. But what makes it perhaps the most unique of Italy&#8217;s early settlements is that more than 3,000 years later, people continue to live in these<em>\u00a0Sassi di Matera<\/em>. Matera is also a must-see for its many other buildings carved from the stone, including, most famously, its frescoed churches. If you want to go, read our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/basilicata\/matera-italy-sassi-travel\">7 tips for visiting Matera<\/a><\/strong> first.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Stone_carvings_of_Val_Camonica\"><\/span>The Stone carvings of Val Camonica<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_2594\" style=\"width: 1010px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/Capo-di-Ponte-Bs-ValcamonicaLombardyItaly-The-National-Park-of-Rock-Engravings-of-Naquanerock-n.1-neolithic-site-UNESCO-n.94.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2594\" class=\" wp-image-2594 size-full\" title=\"Stone carvings at Val Camonica, one of the coolest ancient sites in Italy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/Capo-di-Ponte-Bs-ValcamonicaLombardyItaly-The-National-Park-of-Rock-Engravings-of-Naquanerock-n.1-neolithic-site-UNESCO-n.94.jpg\" alt=\"Prehistoric petroglyphs in Italy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"665\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/Capo-di-Ponte-Bs-ValcamonicaLombardyItaly-The-National-Park-of-Rock-Engravings-of-Naquanerock-n.1-neolithic-site-UNESCO-n.94.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/Capo-di-Ponte-Bs-ValcamonicaLombardyItaly-The-National-Park-of-Rock-Engravings-of-Naquanerock-n.1-neolithic-site-UNESCO-n.94-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-2594\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The stone carvings of Val Camonica<\/p><\/div>\n<p>If you&#8217;re going to be near northern Italy&#8217;s Lake Como or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/italy-lake-garda\">Lake Garda<\/a>, then don&#8217;t miss Val Camonica, one of the largest valleys in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/italian-alps-dolomites\">Italian Alps<\/a>. This valley is home to not only medieval villages and imposing castles, but also to the largest collection of stone carvings, not just in prehistoric Italy, but in all of Europe, with more than 300,000 pieces. The earliest of the carvings date back to the 8th millennium B.C., or the Mesolithic period! The collection is so important, it actually was the first <a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/94\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">UNESCO-recognized World Heritage site in Italy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ%C2%B4s_%E2%80%93_Prehistoric_Italy\"><\/span>FAQ\u00b4s &#8211; Prehistoric Italy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 data-start=\"166\" data-end=\"232\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_can_I_visit_Italys_prehistoric_sites_without_a_car\"><\/span>How can I visit Italy\u2019s prehistoric sites without a car?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"233\" data-end=\"589\">Some prehistoric sites are reachable by train or bus with planning, but many are in rural areas where public transport is limited. In several cases, renting a car or joining a guided excursion is the easiest way to visit multiple locations efficiently. This guide to prehistoric Italy highlights which sites are more remote so you can plan accordingly.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"596\" data-end=\"684\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_prehistoric_sites_are_easiest_to_combine_with_a_classic_Italy_itinerary\"><\/span>Which prehistoric sites are easiest to combine with a classic Italy itinerary?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"685\" data-end=\"988\">Many travelers pair prehistoric sites with well-known destinations. For example, Val Camonica works well with a Lake Garda or Milan trip, while Matera fits neatly into southern Italy itineraries alongside Puglia or Naples. The article helps you spot which ancient sites are close to popular travel hubs.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_3222\" style=\"width: 2058px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3222\" class=\"wp-image-3222 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/IMG_0669-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Southern Italy - Matera\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1536\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/IMG_0669-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/IMG_0669-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/IMG_0669-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-3222\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Southern Italy &#8211; Matera<\/p><\/div>\n<h3 data-start=\"995\" data-end=\"1077\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Italys_prehistoric_sites_suitable_for_families_and_casual_visitors\"><\/span>Are Italy\u2019s prehistoric sites suitable for families and casual visitors?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1078\" data-end=\"1394\">Yes, many sites feature open-air parks, walking trails, and visitor centers that make them accessible even without a background in archaeology. If you\u2019re traveling with kids or prefer a relaxed pace, the locations featured in this prehistoric Italy guide include options that are both educational and easy to explore.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1078\" data-end=\"1394\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-22111 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Devour_Venice_Sunset-Food-Tour_0103.jpg\" alt=\"Two women smiling at each other with others following behind them in an alley.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Devour_Venice_Sunset-Food-Tour_0103.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Devour_Venice_Sunset-Food-Tour_0103-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"64\" data-end=\"520\">Exploring Italy\u2019s prehistoric sites offers a fascinating glimpse into the country\u2019s earliest past\u2014but why stop there? Combine these off-the-beaten-path discoveries with a <strong data-start=\"235\" data-end=\"287\">guided tour of Italy\u2019s most iconic ancient sites<\/strong> for a richer, more complete experience. From walking the ruins of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/\"><strong data-start=\"354\" data-end=\"370\">ancient Rome<\/strong><\/a> with an expert guide to uncovering daily life in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/pompeii-tours\/\"><strong data-start=\"420\" data-end=\"431\">Pompeii<\/strong><\/a>, a guided tour brings context, stories, and depth that you simply can\u2019t get on your own.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"522\" data-end=\"915\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/\">Visit the <strong data-start=\"532\" data-end=\"550\">Walks of Italy<\/strong> website<\/a> to discover expertly led tours in Italy\u2019s major cities, and create an itinerary that connects <strong data-start=\"653\" data-end=\"699\">prehistoric Italy with the classical world<\/strong>\u2014from ancient cave dwellings and stone carvings to legendary Roman cities frozen in time. It\u2019s the perfect way to blend hidden history with Italy\u2019s most famous archaeological treasures, all in one unforgettable trip.<\/p>\n<div style=\"display: none;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-8174\" src=\"https:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/Add-subtitle-text-2-410x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Italy's oldest ruins, like those in Sicily, are much older than the romans. Find out where to see the most incredible ruins in Italy!\" width=\"410\" height=\"1024\" \/><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The archaeological sites in Pompeii and Rome are undeniably fascinating, but believe it or not, they\u2019re far from the oldest ancient ruins in Italy. Long before the rise of the Roman Empire, and even before written history, early civilizations were already leaving their mark on the Italian landscape. From mysterious stone carvings and monumental tombs [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":78,"featured_media":2755,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[106,69,63],"ppma_author":[192],"class_list":["post-2573","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-things-to-do","tag-hiking","tag-history","tag-trip-planning"],"authors":[{"term_id":192,"user_id":78,"is_guest":0,"slug":"leonardoc","display_name":"Leonardo C.","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Leonardo-Caruso.png","url2x":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Leonardo-Caruso.png"},"user_url":"","last_name":"C.","first_name":"Leonardo","job_title":"","description":"Leonardo is an archeologist and travel writer hailing from the historic city of Naples, Italy. With a deep-rooted passion for unearthing the stories of the past, Leonardo has dedicated his career to the study of ancient civilizations, including work in the ruins of Pompeii during part of his studies. In his spare time, Leonardo enjoys taking road trips with his friends, exploring his beloved Italy and gaining inspiration for his travel writing."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2573"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/78"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2573"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2573\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24471,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2573\/revisions\/24471"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2755"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2573"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2573"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2573"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=2573"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}