Ciappo del Sale (rock engravings) - Image 1
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Ciappo del Sale Rock Engravings

4.8
·77 reviews·, Italy

Discover ancient rock engravings on a mystical mountain plateau, offering a unique blend of history and natural beauty.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning or Late Afternoon

Best light for engravings

CrowdLow
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Ciappo del Sale (rock engravings) - Image 1

Ciappo del Sale Rock Engravings

Best Time

Morning or Late Afternoon

Best light for engravings

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover ancient rock engravings on a mystical mountain plateau, offering a unique blend of history and natural beauty. Reddit

4.8
(77 reviews)

"Magic place! Historic site nestled in a beautiful valley, about 30 minutes walk from the car park. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Comfortable Footwear Essential

Wear sturdy shoes for the 30-minute walk from the car park to the engravings.

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

There are limited facilities, so pack essentials for your trek.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Rock Engravings

Ancient Rock Engravings

Discover mysterious prehistoric markings etched into the stone, sparking wonder about their ancient origins.

Reddit
Scenic Mountain Plateau

Scenic Mountain Plateau

Explore a unique, beautiful rock plateau offering a bizarre and captivating atmosphere.

Reddit
Trekking and Caves

Trekking and Caves

Enjoy an easy trek with optional detours to explore nearby caves alongside the historical site.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

The Ciappo del Sale rock engravings are best explored during daylight hours for optimal viewing of the ancient markings. Consider visiting in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun and enjoy a more serene experience amidst the mountain landscape. Reddit

Getting There & What to Expect

Access involves a pleasant 30-minute walk from the car park near Bar dell'Orco. While the path is generally easy, wear comfortable shoes. Information at the site is sparse, so a little pre-trip research enhances the appreciation of these prehistoric stones. Reddit

Best Times

When
Morning or Late Afternoon
Why
Best light for engravings
Crowd
Low
When
Daylight Hours
Why
To see the markings clearly
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Il posto perfetto per un weekend romantico in Liguria ✨💕 a 15 min dal mare 🌊 📍 Ciao Cocoa - Le perle della Liguria #liguria #weekend #hotel #coppia #mare
@geghege_travelcreator
22.5K likes • 218K views

👟 Comfortable Footwear Essential

Wear sturdy shoes for the 30-minute walk from the car park to the engravings. Reddit

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

There are limited facilities, so pack essentials for your trek. Reddit

🧐 Research Before You Go

Limited on-site descriptions mean pre-trip knowledge enhances the experience. Reddit

✨ Ideal for Stargazing

The remote mountain location offers incredible potential for night sky viewing. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Comfortable Footwear Essential

Wear sturdy shoes for the 30-minute walk from the car park to the engravings. Reddit

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

There are limited facilities, so pack essentials for your trek. Reddit

🧐 Research Before You Go

Limited on-site descriptions mean pre-trip knowledge enhances the experience. Reddit

✨ Ideal for Stargazing

The remote mountain location offers incredible potential for night sky viewing. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(77 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Ciappo del Sale for its beautiful mountain setting and the intriguing, ancient rock engravings that spark the imagination. The easy trekking path and the unique, bizarre atmosphere contribute to a magical experience, though some note the scarcity of on-site information. Reddit

"Beautiful rock plateau, in the middle of the mountains. Has a bizar atmosphere which makes you think what it has been in the past, with the marks cut in the stone. Must be beautiful at night to watch the stars."

Sanski

"Wonderful trekking quite easy and with small deviations in addition to the preistoric Stones you can reach also some nice caves!"

Stefano Casaccia

"Magic place!"

Gustavo Pierangelini

What People Like

Mysterious ancient engravings
Beautiful mountain plateau
Magical, bizarre atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited site information

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The site is accessible via a pleasant 30-minute walk from the car park near Bar dell'Orco. The path is generally easy and suitable for walking and cycling. Reddit

Yes, there is a car park available near Bar dell'Orco, which serves as the starting point for the walk to the engravings. Reddit

Information on public transport access is limited, but the primary access is via car to the Bar dell'Orco parking area followed by a walk. Reddit

The walk is described as quite easy and pleasant, through woods and along a municipal road. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Reddit

Yes, the reviews mention that you can reach this place by bicycle, suggesting the path is suitable for cycling. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no mention of admission fees or tickets required for Ciappo del Sale, suggesting it is freely accessible. Reddit

As an outdoor historical and natural site, Ciappo del Sale is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific opening or closing times mentioned. Reddit

Based on available information, there is no entrance fee for visiting the Ciappo del Sale rock engravings. Reddit

It's best to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the rock engravings and the surrounding scenery. Reddit

Information on guided tours is not readily available, and the site is described as having limited descriptions, suggesting self-exploration is the norm. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see a beautiful rock plateau with ancient rock engravings, basins, canals, and chapels for collecting water. The area is also known for its unique geological formations. Reddit

The walk to the site takes about 30 minutes, and exploring the engravings and surrounding area can take an additional hour or more, depending on your pace. Reddit

Reviews indicate there are not many descriptions available at the site, so it's recommended to do some research beforehand. Reddit

Facilities are not mentioned, so it's advisable to use restrooms at Bar dell'Orco before starting your walk. Reddit

The atmosphere is described as bizarre and magical, offering a unique and thought-provoking experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the intricate rock engravings, the vastness of the mountain plateau, and the unique geological features. The scenic walk also offers great photo moments. Reddit

The remote mountain location with minimal light pollution makes it an ideal spot for stargazing and astrophotography. Reddit

Morning and late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the textures of the rock engravings. Reddit

Drone regulations vary by region. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in this natural area. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the landscape, while a macro lens can be useful for detailing the engravings. A tripod is helpful for low-light or astrophotography. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ciappo del Sale offers a unique outdoor adventure for families. The easy 30-minute walk from the car park is manageable for most children, turning the visit into a mini-trek. The mystery of the ancient engravings can spark imagination and curiosity in younger minds, making history come alive. Reddit

While there isn't much in terms of playgrounds or specific child-focused activities, the natural setting and the opportunity to explore (with supervision) can be very engaging. Consider bringing snacks and plenty of water, as amenities are scarce. The chance to discover caves along the way can be an added thrill for adventurous kids. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers

For hikers, Ciappo del Sale presents a rewarding, relatively easy excursion. The scenic walk through the mountains provides beautiful views and a peaceful escape. The site itself, with its unique rock formations and ancient engravings, offers a fascinating point of interest amidst the natural landscape. Reddit

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the uncontaminated environment and the geological significance of the Pietra di Finale. The possibility of discovering nearby caves adds to the appeal for those who enjoy off-the-beaten-path exploration. It's a great spot to combine a historical visit with a refreshing outdoor activity. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Mystery of the Engravings

The Ciappo del Sale rock engravings are a significant archaeological site, featuring a variety of prehistoric markings etched into the local limestone, known as Pietra di Finale. This limestone dates back to the Oligocene age, approximately 28 million years ago, and was originally formed from marine sedimentary successions. The engravings themselves are a testament to the ancient human presence in the region, though their exact meaning and purpose remain a subject of speculation and historical research. Visitors often find the sheer age and mystery of these markings to be a captivating aspect of their visit. Reddit

Beyond the engravings, the site also showcases natural geological features that have been utilized by humans over time. These include basins, canals, and chapels carved into the rock, which were likely used for collecting water. This dual nature of the site – as a canvas for ancient art and a functional landscape – adds layers of historical and anthropological interest. The remote mountain setting further enhances the sense of discovery and connection to the past. Reddit

Trekking and Exploration

The journey to Ciappo del Sale is an integral part of the experience. A pleasant 30-minute walk from the car park near Bar dell'Orco leads you through scenic surroundings. The path is generally considered easy, making it accessible for most visitors, including those who enjoy light trekking. Reddit

For those seeking a bit more adventure, the area offers opportunities for additional exploration. Reviews mention that with small deviations from the main path, visitors can discover nice caves, adding another dimension to the outing. This makes Ciappo del Sale not just a destination for viewing ancient art, but also a starting point for exploring the natural beauty of the Ligurian mountains. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as facilities are minimal. Reddit

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