Geo Archaeological and naturalistic site
RocceRé is a spectacular geological site frequented since ancient times by prehistoric peoples and is located at the very foot of the Maira Valley, in Roccabruna, in the province of Cuneo.
A spiritual and mysterious place that captivates with its context and views. Venturing among its rocks, one travels back in time, to more than 4,000 years ago, thanks to Bronze Age artifacts found by archaeological excavations.
In an area embraced by rich vegetation, it is possible to admire the Masso Altare, Roccias Fenestre, King's Throne, Balmascura Cave and appreciate the morphology of the solar calendar. There are 35,000 rock cups at this site, discovered in 1991 whose origin is still being studied: these are hollows with a diameter that can vary between 2 and 20 centimeters, they are found grouped by the hundreds on imposing flat or slightly inclined slabs, in other cases compositions of “cups” close to each other seem to form geometric figures, symmetrical, numerical analogies, arch-retilinear concatenations and even anthropomorphic figures. In 2013, an alleged rock painting with anthropomorphic-cervid features found at RocceRé was presented at the IFRAO (International Federation of Rock Art) World Assembly in New Mexico. In 2016, astrophysical researchers hypothesized a representation on rock of celestial maps and some constellations. In 2024, a new geological and archaeological survey ordered by the Piedmont Superintendency assessed the formations on the site as completely natural phenomena, dating back to the terminal phase of the Last Glacial Maximum. The cupules/incaves would have formed naturally as a result of weathering pits.
Thanks to this phenomenon ,also known as gnammas, the RocceRé is thus elected as a site of considerable geological and naturalistic importance.The archaeological findings are evidence of the frequentation of the place by prehistoric and/or protohistoric peoples who most likely considered sacred those mysterious stone bowls adapted or later adapted to ancient rituals.
Guided tours with shuttle service , every day
from May to November on request and reservation :
+39 347235 8797 - associazioneroccere@gmail.com
The RocceRè's shuttle brings from 1250 m to 1723 m,
to reach the site is necessary to walk a further drop of 100 m.
The treasures of RocceRé
The king - Anthropomorphic
This is how this presumed anthropomorphic figure composed of rocky cups was named. The inverted triangle-shaped hollow placed on the head seems to represent a crown, a slightly bent leg as if in a desired movement, a raised arm, a spear or a spear in the other hand, all of which makes this composition quite enigmatic. Now downgraded to a simple coincidence of natural hollows in the path of the water.
The Masso Altare
Ruciré-Aut is the name of this imposing 90 meter sheer tower. On the top of this spectacular gneiss tower is an almost perfectly round boulder; above it, inside a natural channel, a curious large “cup/hollow” recalls a vulva and another small concave roundabout completes the alignment which exactly indicates the equinoctial dawn. An ancient legend of Roccabruna, handed down from father to son, tells that in very distant times, animals were killed on RocceRé by throwing them from these high towers. Perhaps hence the old name Ruciré-Aut (High-Altar)?
The Throne of the King
According to the latest studies, a natural ravine in the shape of an inverted triangle with the seat. Always called by the locals careo del re (King's seat). From a sitting position it is possible to admire and be fully illuminated at dawn on the winter solstice. The King's Throne appears incredibly similar to two other ravines at the archaeological sites of Machu Picchu and Hayu Marca in Peru. The latter is known as the Puerta de Hayu Marca or Door of the Gods, which according to legend is a real portal connecting worlds.
Balmascura Cave
It is the largest balma or barma (in Occitan refuge, shelter) in Roccabruna, with a mouth 25 meters wide, at least 15 meters high and 20 meters deep. A perennial water source inside it creates an interesting set of plants. Point of archaeological interest, where 4 of the 9 excavations were carried out and the discovery of ceramic shards dated to Bronze or late Copper, a quartz arrowhead, a probable scraper and many charcoals. These excavations are now protected by a special fabric and 20 cm of soil.
Rock painting
Noticed in a sheltered and secret ravine, this probable painting would seem to represent an anthropomorphic cervid figure in movement.
With this discovery, RocceRé crossed national borders: in May 2013, the painting was presented at the IFRAO world assembly, in the United States in New Mexico, by the Center for Studies and Rock Art of Pinerolo; further in-depth analyzes would be needed to evaluate its authenticity and probable dating.
Solar Calendar
Presence of seven alignments of cupellated channels, window-pierced rocks and boulders positioned as indicators, all oriented exactly or with a minimum inaccuracy to equinoxes and solstices, i.e. sunrises and sunsets. Many similar cases have been studied by researchers around the world, from Stonehenge in England, to some pyramids, to the island of Malta, to the Little St. Bernard cromlech and others. Very similar, but in a certain sense very particular, alignments have been found on RocceRé: the fact that in some cases the alignments are created by nature appears enigmatic.
Roccias Fenestre
A spectacular 15 meter high column of stacked layers and boulders with a central window opening gives its name to much of the rock complex. An incredible natural coincidence, the sun on the summer solstice sets exactly inside this spectacular opening; crossing the window the last ray of the sun is projected onto the wall behind it, the phenomenon only happens on the three/four longest days of the year. The psychedelic effects that can be created with shadows are also beautiful.
Pointer boulder
It is a slab of several tons, supported and elevated by three blocks below and some vertical slabs that seem to protect a small chamber. The block has a perfect 45° triangular shape and its cusp points exactly to the sunrise of the summer solstice.
Roccias Fenestre 2
Still in the same rock complex, a little further downstream, there is a second window, a much smaller opening in the rock (about 80 cm). This "natural" opening hosts the setting sun of the winter solstice in an equally precise way.
Equinoctial window
Another incredible coincidence sees this third window (with a certainly natural base, while the upper boulders should be evaluated), welcoming the last rays of the equinoctial sunsets.
It's available
the RocceRé's book
edited by Araba Fenice!
Buy it to the RocceRé Visitor Center or online HERE