Foresta Fossile di Dunarobba
Open-air palaeontological site with about fifty fossil trunks of giant conifers in their original growth position, with the Centro di paleontologia vegetale (plant palaeontology centre).
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Foresta Fossile di Dunarobba came to light at the end of the 1970s, in a clay pit used to make bricks near Avigliano Umbro. Much of the trunks is still covered by sediment, but about fifty remain visible; they belong to giant conifers related to the sequoias. The trees date from between 3 and 2 million years ago, when the climate was warmer than today, and they are still in the position in which they grew.
The trunks were buried little by little in a marshy area that was slowly subsiding, on the shore of the great Lago Tiberino. The wood has largely kept its original characteristics. In the 20th century the area was exploited for lignite mining; the site has been protected since 1987. As early as the 17th century, scholars of the Accademia dei Lincei had already studied the fossil woods of the area.
At the end of the 1990s the Centro di paleontologia vegetale was founded, which uses finds, explanatory panels and models to reconstruct the geological environment, climate and fauna of the period. Today the work focuses above all on countering the deterioration of the wood caused by the weather, since the site is entirely open-air. From 22 August 2026 the site and the centre are temporarily closed to the public for maintenance work.
Highlights
- About fifty fossil trunks of giant conifers in their original growth position
- Trees that lived between 3 and 2 million years ago, in the Pliocene
- Centro di paleontologia vegetale with finds, panels and models
- Guided tours of about 45 minutes outdoors
- Educational workshops for schools
- Operated by
- Comune di Avigliano Umbro
- Visitors per year
- approx. 3,889
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €7 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5children aged 6 to 14, people over 70 with ID, teachers with certification, groups of more than 20 people, tourist guides with an ID badge |
| Children & teens | €5free up to age 5 · Reduced rate for children aged 6 to 14; free up to age 5. |
| Seniors | €5Over 70 years of age, with ID document. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree admission for people with a disability of more than 75%, with a suitable certificate. |
| Groups (21+ people) | €5 per personGroups of more than 20 people. |
Prices valid before the temporary closure. Free admission also for tourist guides and accompanying staff on duty and for residents of the Comune di Avigliano Umbro. A “Foresta Fossile Card” is available, with discounts at local partners.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The site lies entirely outdoors on natural ground; the site recommends trekking shoes and a windbreaker in winter, and closed shoes and a hat in summer.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
The centre offers educational workshops.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Car park of the Centro di paleontologia vegetale, meeting point for guided tours.
Amenities & dining
The site and the centre have been temporarily closed to the public since 22 August 2026 for maintenance work.
Events & venue rental
The site and the centre have been temporarily closed to the public since 22 August 2026 for maintenance work.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 45 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The site can only be visited on a guided tour. Visit information: tel. +39 0744 940 348. Educational workshops are planned for schools. |
