One of the most important archaeological sites in the region is located on the northern shore of Lake Garda: an old town was situated on Monte San Martino, at a height of about 800 metres. It had a favourable location due to its access to major transportation routes. Finds on site date the settlements in the area to the late Iron Age. They also prove there was religious life during this period.

The settlement was still a cult site during Roman times; indeed the construction of a complex that probably served as a sanctuary dates back to the 1st century A.D. Statuettes of various deities found here indicate that the complex was used as as polytheistic holy place. The area was, however, used primarily for military purposes between the 5th and 6th century, at least in the southern part. At that time, a permanent settlement arose; judging from the finds of dwellings, this was a large town.

The Chiesa San Martino church dates from a later period, namely the time between the 8th and 9th century, and has experienced various changes over time.
Tenno is the seat of the documentation centre of Monte San Martino. It houses finds from the excavation works, exhibited according to the various settlement periods. We recommend a visit to the centre’s website for further information and ticket reservation