Centro di Documentazione Paleontologico
Museum centre in Scontrone dedicated to the Miocene fossil site of Monte Greco, with remains of Hoplitomeryx and a geological trail leading to the site.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The documentation centre is dedicated to the fossil site discovered in 1991 at about 1,180 metres above sea level, on the slopes of Monte Greco, north of the village of Scontrone. The deposit is distinguished by an exceptional concentration of bones and teeth of land vertebrates in calcarenites and marls of the Early Tortonian, dating to about 10 million years ago. It was declared of particular scientific interest and placed under ministerial protection in 1993.
Among the exhibits, the most important are the remains of the primitive artiodactyls of the genus Hoplitomeryx, from which the centre takes its name: ruminants with a skull bearing several horns and robust canines. Also documented are freshwater turtles of the genus Mauremys, a crocodile jaw of the genus Crocodylus and fragments of the giant insectivore Deinogalerix. The fauna, very similar to that of the Gargano, indicates the existence of an isolated landmass between Abruzzo and Apulia.
The centre has a multimedia station and a diorama reconstructing Miocene environments. After the visit, a short geo-environmental trail (about 800 m long, with a 120 m height difference) and information panels lead to the palaeontological site. In good weather, by arrangement with the operator, a section of the deposit set up for observing fossils can be visited.
Highlights
- Remains of Hoplitomeryx, a Miocene ruminant with several horns
- Fossils of freshwater turtles, a crocodile and Deinogalerix
- Diorama of the Miocene environment and multimedia station
- Geo-environmental trail of about 800 m to the deposit
- Visit to a section of the deposit in good weather, by arrangement
Permanent exhibition
- Collezione paleontologica del Monte Greco – Fossils from the Miocene deposit of Scontrone, with remains of Hoplitomeryx, turtles, a crocodile and Deinogalerix, a diorama and a multimedia station.
- Founded
- 2003
- Operated by
- Comune di Scontrone
- Visitors per year
- approx. 1,000
Admission & discounts
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Accessibility
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Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
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Amenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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Plan your visit
| Good to know | After the museum centre, the geo-environmental trail of about 800 m (120 m height difference) can be walked to the fossil deposit. |
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