Archeologia Estate at Acqua Fredda Archaeological Site, Passo del Redebus

A unique site in the Alps

The Acqua Fredda archaeological site is located at an altitude of 1,440 meters, along the Passo del Redebus, in the municipality of Bedollo, on the border between the Piné Plateau and the Mòcheni Valley, in Trentino-Alto Adige. Here, archaeologists have unearthed a veritable battery of nine smelting furnaces from the Late Bronze Age (13th–11th century BC), making it one of the most significant prehistoric foundries in the entire Alpine region.

In this very spot, over three thousand years ago, metallurgists harnessed mountain spring water and copper ores to produce metal using surprisingly advanced techniques. Beside the furnaces, researchers have found millstones for crushing ore, bellows remains, and a refined decorated bronze pin; slightly further downstream, an imposing slag heap testifies to the intensity of the production.

Archeologia Estate at Acqua Fredda

During the summer season, the Archaeological Heritage Office of the Superintendency for Cultural Heritage of the Autonomous Province of Trento enlivens the site with the Archeologia Estate (Archaeology Summer) festival, part of a provincial calendar featuring over a hundred events in Trentino's main historical sites. At Acqua Fredda, the program combines storytelling, theater, experimental archaeology, and nature, with activities specifically designed for families and children.

• Family theater performances among the remains of the smelting furnaces;
• Experimental archaeology workshops dedicated to copper working, from ore extraction to smelting;
• Themed treks along the trails of Passo del Redebus;
• Guided tours with readings and insights into Mòcheni culture.

Nature and Mòcheni culture

The site overlooks the Redebus Biotope, a protected wetland included in the European Natura 2000 network, which makes every visit an opportunity to discover the high-altitude environment. The proximity to the Mòcheni Valley enriches the program with references to the language and traditions of this ancient Germanic-speaking community, as highlighted by the bilingual title of some initiatives, «Dal legno al metallo! Van hólz en metal!» (From wood to metal!).

Useful information

Activities for Archeologia Estate at Acqua Fredda are free with mandatory reservation (except for some proposals that may require a small fee for shuttle services or museum entry). The archaeological site, equipped with explanatory panels, is open to the public year-round. For the updated calendar and reservations, please contact the Archaeological Heritage Office of the Autonomous Province of Trento.