Archaeological Museum of Val Grande

The Archaeological Museum of the Val Grande National Park is one of the museum cells of the regional Ecomuseum of the Soapstone and the Stonecutters, recognized by the Piedmont Region in 2007.

Archaeological and ethnographic itinerary with materials coming from the necropolis of Val Vigezzo, illustrates ancient and traditional methods, techniques and artifacts in soapstone and more. The historic building, once the seat of the Magistrate's Court, in which sixteenth-century frescoes and an ancient stone fireplace are preserved on the mezzanine floor and the structures of an old dairy in the basement, houses a museum itinerary that tells the oldest history of Val Vigezzo and of the Val Grande through local archaeological finds - in particular from the Roman and late antique necropolis of Craveggia and collectible materials from Malesco, Toceno, Santa Maria Maggiore. The finds show, since the Roman age, the importance of stone processing and above all of soapstone. The archaeological theme is therefore linked to the broader historical and ethnographic theme of the multiple uses of stone and the quarrying and processing of soapstone in the Vigezzo Valley and in the Val Grande territory.

Visiting the Archaeological Museum of Soapstone means discovering how a local resource has marked the life of local communities over the centuries. In fact, the Museum houses the oldest finds from Vigezzo, dating back to the Bronze Age, when the local stone was used to produce molds for casting metal. The route continues with a rich series of Roman period equipment: through them it is possible to observe how the resources of the mountain have allowed intense commercial exchanges. The objects on display in soapstone, ceramics, glass, silver, iron ... allow you to learn about ancient craft techniques. In particular, the theme of soapstone processing in its millenary development is explored. In 2013 the new geological section was inaugurated which focuses on some relevant geological phenomena of the territory.