ArcheoParc Senales: A journey into the Neolithic age following Ötzi’s footsteps
The ArcheoParc Senales, located in Madonna di Senales at an altitude of 1,500 meters, is an interactive museum that allows visitors to explore prehistoric life through both indoor exhibitions and outdoor reconstructions.
The discovery of Ötzi
On September 19, 1991, a couple of hikers from Nuremberg accidentally discovered the Similaun mummy at 3,210 meters above sea level on the Tisenjoch Pass. The exceptional preservation was made possible by the wind and low temperatures, which dried the body before it was covered by ice. Although it is still uncertain whether Ötzi lived in the Senales Valley, evidence shows that he traveled through part of the valley before his death.
The museum and the open-air area
The ArcheoParc Senales, inaugurated on September 16, 2001, was created through the collaboration of the Senales Cultural Association, the Municipality of Senales, and the Autonomous Province of Bolzano.
The museum spans three exhibition floors and delves into various aspects of life during the Neolithic period:
- Materials and survival techniques from over 5,300 years ago.
- The flora and fauna of that era.
- The historical and archaeological context related to Ötzi.
The outdoor area, covering 4,000 square meters, offers an immersive experience with reconstructions of prehistoric huts, natural settings, and the chance to discover plants, trees, and herbs used in ancient times.
From the park, visitors can admire the Tisenjoch peak, the exact site where Ötzi was found, offering a unique and emotional experience in the heart of the Ötztal Alps.
For more information, visit the official website of ArcheoParc Val Senales.