Monte Fenera – The 2025 excavations and a book on Neanderthals

The annual event to present the findings of research carried out on Mount Fenera by the University of Ferrara returns this year, organised by the Sesia Val Grande Geopark Association and the Valsesia Protected Areas Management Authority, both members of the Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark. 

Following the introduction to the meeting, given by Chiara Leonoris, a geologist at EGAP, the results of the 2025 excavation campaign conducted by researchers and archaeologists from the University of Ferrara will be presented by Marta Arzarello, director of the excavations, and Sara Daffara from the research team. The focus of the 2025 research – the 17th excavation campaign – was Ciota Ciara, the cave containing the richest evidence of habitation by our prehistoric ancestors.

This time, the event features an interesting new addition. After hearing about the findings of the archaeological research, science journalist Franco Capone – who specialises in anthropology, ethology and palaeontology – will present his recent book *Neanderthal, the Other Humanity. Stories and Places, in Italy and Beyond’. This will provide an opportunity to engage in discussion with the specialists and learn about some of the most recent and significant international discoveries concerning Neanderthals.

Both presentations are accompanied by slides.

The meeting will take place in Borgosesia on Saturday 18 October at 5.00 pm, at the G. Turcotti Study Centre, 48 Via Dottor Ferro, on the corner of Via A. Giordano, which has kindly been made available for the occasion.