Museo Paleontologico «Pierluigi Malinverni»

About the museum

In the former stables of Villa Godi Malinverni, Andrea Palladio's first villa at Lonedo di Lugo di Vicenza, is a palaeontological museum of great value, named after Pierluigi Malinverni. In the mid-19th century one of the most important deposits of the century was discovered in the nearby Chiavone Bianco stream. The discovery is dated to 1852 and attributed to Baron Achille De Zigno, who directed the excavations financed by Count Andrea Piovene, then owner of the villa. Since 1963 the collection has been declared of exceptional palaeontological interest.

The fossils date from the Middle Oligocene, about 30 million years ago, and record a brackish marshy marine bay in a tropical climate: fern leaves, molluscs, fish and palms, living in a very rich environment that was probably disrupted by volcanic eruptions. The museum holds numerous species of fish from brackish and freshwater environments and many plant species, including algae, ferns and palms.

The most spectacular specimen is a 9.85-metre fossil palm, placed horizontally in the centre of the hall. Discovered in 1863 by a sharecropper (mezzadro) of Count Piovene, who took four years to extract it, it is regarded as the largest fossil palm specimen preserved complete in Europe. Since 2024 the museum has been part of the “Orizzonti Fossili” network, together with the museums of Bolca, Monte di Malo and Chiampo.

Highlights

• Fossil palm of 9.85 metres
• Fossils from the Chiavone deposit (Middle Oligocene)
• Fossil fish, molluscs, ferns and palms
• Villa Godi Malinverni, Palladio's first villa
• “Orizzonti Fossili” network of palaeontological museums

Permanent exhibition

• Fossili del Chiavone e palma fossile – Fish, molluscs, ferns and palms of the Middle Oligocene, with the 9.85-metre fossil palm displayed in the centre of the hall.

Operated by

Villa Godi Malinverni

Admission & discounts

The entrance ticket covers the villa, the Palladian gardens, the centuries-old park and the museums, including the palaeontological museum. A complimentary paper guide is included with the adult ticket. By keeping the ticket of one of the museums in the “Orizzonti Fossili” network, you are entitled to a 10% discount at the others during the year. Tickets can be bought online and at the ticket office.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• 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 lower floors, gardens and park are fully accessible, while visiting the villa's noble halls presents greater difficulties. A virtual tour is available for those who cannot climb to the upper floors, along with a sensory trail in the park, a video guide in Italian Sign Language (LIS) and a guided video call with the owners.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Family ticket and a range of workshops and school trips; the sensory trail in the park is suitable for families and for people with cognitive disabilities.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant

In the Palladian barchessa (agricultural outbuilding) is the restaurant “Il Torchio Antico”.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit