Museo civico dei fossili di Besano
Civic museum in an early 20th-century building, with marine fossils from 240 million years ago from Monte San Giorgio (Unesco), including the ichthyosaur Besanosaurus.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Palaeontological research at Besano began around the middle of the 19th century, when scholars of the Natural History Museum of Milan recognised the importance of the fossils preserved in the local shales and began the first scientific investigations. Since then the discoveries have never stopped and have provided science with data of worldwide importance. Today Besano is part of the Italian-Swiss palaeontological site of Monte San Giorgio, which is inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List.
The Museo civico dei fossili is located in the centre of the village, in an early 20th-century building, and displays a significant part of the finds made in the area. The route opens a window onto a past of 240 million years ago, when a tropical sea was home to ammonites, fish and reptiles of strange appearance. Among the reptiles stands out the Besanosaurus, an ichthyosaur almost six metres long which preserves an embryo in its abdomen.
The exhibition spaces were redisplayed in 2020 with funds from the municipality and a contribution from Regione Lombardia. The museum has a reception area, an educational workshop and a bookshop. Since 17 November 2025 the rooms have been closed to the public for works on the ground floor and on the second floor, and reopening is announced for October 2026.
Highlights
- Besanosaurus, an ichthyosaur almost 6 metres long, with an embryo
- Ammonites, fish and reptiles from the Middle Triassic, 240 million years ago
- Part of the Unesco site of Monte San Giorgio
- Educational workshop and bookshop
- Guided walks to the excavation sites
Permanent exhibition
- Museo civico dei fossili di Besano – Fossils from the Middle Triassic of Monte San Giorgio, from invertebrates to marine reptiles, including the Besanosaurus.
- Operated by
- Comune di Besano
- Director
- Fabio Bona
- Visitors per year
- approx. 3,164
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Ages 4 to 18, university students with a student card, groups of more than 15 people, people with disabilities with documentation |
| Children & teens | €3free up to age 3 · Free admission under 4; ages 4 to 18 with reduced ticket. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €3Reduced ticket with documentation. |
| Students & apprentices | €3University students with a valid student card. |
| Groups (16+ people) | €3 per personGroups of more than 15 people: reduced ticket. |
Free admission for residents of Besano with documentation and for holders of the Abbonamento Musei Lombardia. 10% discount for Touring Club members. Tickets can also be bought online. Prices valid at reopening.
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 museum states that it has inclusive access and services for everyone.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 3 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Playground / play area
The museum has an educational workshop and offers activities for children and schools; there is a playground in the immediate vicinity.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Besano – via Girola (Municipio)
Autolinee Varesine, line N 06 (branch Ponte Tresa), stop “Besano – via Girola (Municipio)”, a few metres from the museum. From Varese you can take line L towards Bisuschio and change at Bisuschio. Nearest railway station: Porto Ceresio, about 20–25 minutes on foot (train from Milano Porta Garibaldi every hour).
By car
Free parking
Convenient free parking in Via P. Girola. Other car parks in Via Giovanni XXIII and at Piazzale Monte San Giorgio, with spaces reserved for coaches.
By car from the motorway towards the Varese ring road, then follow the signs for Porto Ceresio, Bisuschio and Besano. From Switzerland, via the Porto Ceresio border crossing, towards Bisuschio and Besano.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Reception area, educational workshop and bookshop; bars, trattorias and a playground in the vicinity.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Groups can book a guided tour by writing to museo@comune.besano.va.it. The museum also organises guided walks to the fossil sites and activities for schools. |
