Cultural
Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps
Inscribed 2011
This collection of prehistoric pile dwelling (or stilt house) sites is located in the Alpine regions of Italy, along with corresponding sites in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and France. The sites represent settlements from the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods, situated on the edges of lakes, rivers, and wetland areas around the Alps. These archaeological remains are exceptionally well-preserved due to the waterlogged conditions that have protected organic materials such as wood, textiles, and food remains from decay. The sites provide crucial evidence of early agrarian societies in Alpine Europe and offer unique insights into prehistoric daily life, settlement patterns, and technological development. The sites were inscribed as a serial transnational property in recognition of their outstanding archaeological significance and the exceptional preservation conditions that allow for detailed study of prehistoric communities. Visually, the sites are marked by archaeological layers containing remnants of wooden structures and artifacts embedded in the ground, revealing the traces of human habitation spanning several millennia.
Inscription
2011
