Museo-laboratorio dell'Appennino Umbro «Sotto-Sopra»
Interactive museum in the Rocca di Polino on the geology, fossils and nature of the Umbrian Apennines, with an ammonite workshop.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum occupies the Rocca di Polino, a medieval fortress at the centre of the village, in southern Umbria, at the foot of Monte Petano and Monte Pelosa and on the border with the province of Rieti. It is designed as a museum-workshop: through relief models and interactive multimedia systems it tells the story and natural features of the Umbrian mountains.
The route, designed by Paco Lanciano, unfolds on two levels. The “sotto” (below) is devoted to geology, mineralogy and palaeontology, the “sopra” (above) to flora, fauna, water, landscape and human intervention on vegetation. On the first floor of Palazzo Castelli are the reception, the bookshop, an aerial view of the area and a raised relief model.
The Polino area is rich in fossils, especially ammonites, which are also the theme of the educational workshop in Palazzo Castelli. Nearby is a small quarry where visitors, with a guide, can extract ammonites from the rock. The museum also houses the infopoint “La finestra sul Nera”. Restoration work is planned on buildings near the Rocca, to expand the spaces with finds from the ancient mine known as the “Cava dell'oro”.
Highlights
- Interactive “Sotto-Sopra” route on the geology and nature of the Apennines
- Ammonite fossils from Polino
- Educational workshop on ammonites
- Small quarry where visitors can extract ammonites with a guide
- Relief model and aerial view of the area
- Medieval fortress with views over the Valnerina
Permanent exhibition
- Sotto-Sopra: storia e natura dell'Appennino umbro – Interactive route on the geology, palaeontology, flora, fauna and landscape of the Umbrian Apennines, with models and multimedia systems.
- Operated by
- Comune di Polino
- Visitors per year
- approx. 50
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2 |
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
Route with relief models and interactive multimedia stations, an educational ammonite workshop, and fossil extraction in a small nearby quarry with a guide.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Bookshop at the reception.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours and educational activities are offered; the workshop at Palazzo Castelli is dedicated to ammonites. |
