ARVENOLO

Location: Crego, Val d’Ossola, Piedmont (Italy) — 46.2422 N, 8.3399 E

Dating: Bronze Age to Iron Age (still debated)

Characteristics: The Mura del Diavolo consists of a large dry-stone megalithic platform or terrace structure situated on a steep alpine slope above Crego. The masonry style differs from central Italian polygonal walls: made of large granite blocks that are generally less precisely multi-angled and more roughly coursed. The visible façade includes large monolithic blocks, some measuring over 2 meters in length, with substantial thickness and weight. The platform appears to stabilize the slope while creating a level area above. No clear defensive circuit or enclosed settlement perimeter is evident. One particular feature of the wall which looks like a gate appears to be an area of collapse or scavenged stones.

Polygonal classification: Megalithic drystone most similar to Type I (Lugli)

Attribution: Uncertain.

Specific points to see:

• Walking trail from Crego (strada consortile per Aleccio – Mura del Diavolo)