Lugana Vecchia

Lugana Vecchia is a prehistoric settlement submerged near Sirmione that spans approximately 125 by 90 meters. The remains show wooden posts made from oak, elm, and hornbeam that served as foundations for ancient dwellings.

The settlement was discovered in 1996 during underwater research, revealing a Bronze Age community. Metal objects such as daggers, pins, and spear points shed light on the lives of people who inhabited the area thousands of years ago.

The site is part of a network of pile dwelling settlements around the Alps, showing how prehistoric communities built and lived together. These construction methods were common among people adapting to wet, marshy environments.

The site lies underwater, so recovered artifacts are displayed at the Giovanni Rambotti Archaeological Museum in nearby Desenzano del Garda. This makes it possible to examine the main finds in person when visiting the region.

The settlement lies approximately 100 meters from the current shoreline and contains evidence of ancient metalworking techniques. These discoveries show that residents possessed advanced crafting skills including metalcasting and forge work.