The “Train of Wonders” from Ventimiglia to Tende: a cultural journey to discover the Valley of Wonders and the Tende Museum

A journey through history, archaeology and nature along the Roya Valley railway line: the “Train of Wonders” from Ventimiglia to Tende returns with a special educational excursion organised by the “Girolamo Rossi” Civic Archaeological Museum of Ventimiglia, inviting visitors to discover one of the most fascinating areas of the Maritime Alps.

The event will take place on Friday 17 July 2026, on the occasion of the 108th anniversary of the death of Clarence Bicknell, who passed away on 17 July 1918 in the peaceful surroundings of Casterino. The day will be dedicated to remembering the English scholar, considered one of the first major researchers of the prehistoric rock engravings of the Valley of Wonders, a unique archaeological heritage site located in the heart of the Mercantour National Park.

A journey along the historic Roya Valley railway line

The excursion will take participants along the scenic route of the Train of Wonders, one of Europe’s most spectacular panoramic railway lines, connecting the Ligurian Riviera with the Alpine valleys through landscapes of outstanding natural and historical value.

The route follows, in spirit, the ancient paths of the Via Iulia Augusta, the important Roman road that linked the Ligurian coast with the transalpine territories, offering travellers views of mountains, historic villages and valleys crossed by the Roya River.

Discovering the medieval village of Tende

Upon arrival in Tende, participants will enjoy a guided walk through the historic medieval village.

The itinerary will include a visit to the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption, built at the end of the 15th century at the request of Giovanni Antonio Lascaris on the remains of an earlier church.

The walk will continue with a commemorative moment at the plaque dedicated to Clarence Bicknell, a key figure in the study of the engravings and prehistoric rock art of the Valley of Wonders.

Visit to the Musée des Merveilles in Tende

In the afternoon, at 3:00 pm, the group will visit the Musée des Merveilles in Tende, an important cultural centre dedicated to the history, archaeology and rock art of the Maritime Alps.

Participants will be welcomed by archaeologist Nicoletta Bianchi, member of the team led by Silvia Sandrone, who will guide visitors through the permanent exhibition spaces and temporary exhibitions.

The programme includes a visit to the following exhibitions:

• “Sorcier & Friends, portraits sculptés de la préhistoire”, dedicated to prehistoric artistic representations and sculptures;
• “Roches de mémoire, 5000 ans d’art rupestre dans les Alpes”, an exhibition exploring five thousand years of rock art in the Alps.

The museum is an international reference point for the study of the Valley of Wonders and has maintained a long-standing partnership with the “Girolamo Rossi” Civic Archaeological Museum of Ventimiglia, which, in its historical section located beneath the terrace of the Forte dell’Annunziata, dedicates significant space to the Roya Valley and Alpine archaeological heritage.

Programme of the 2026 Train of Wonders excursion

📍 Meeting point: entrance hall of Ventimiglia railway station
⏰ Meeting time: 10:10 am
🚆 Departure from Ventimiglia: 10:39 am
🏔️ Destination: Tende and the Musée des Merveilles
🚆 Return departure from Tende: 6:32 pm
🏁 Expected arrival in Ventimiglia: 8:05 pm

Participation is available exclusively with mandatory booking.

Information and reservations

“Girolamo Rossi” Civic Archaeological Museum
Via Verdi 41 – 18039 Ventimiglia (IM), Italy

☎️ Tel. +39 0184 351181
📧 Email: museoventimiglia@gmail.com

A unique opportunity to experience the charm of the Train of Wonders, the history of the Roya Valley and the archaeological heritage of the Valley of Wonders, following the footsteps of Clarence Bicknell more than a century later.