In Italy there is one of the most important paleontological sites in the world and it is the fossil forest of Dunarobba of Avigliano Umbro. This incredible natural monument has a long history to discover that allows you to understand this exceptional phenomenon unique in the world.
The trees are broken to a height varying between 5 and 8 meters. Their exceptional appearance is that the wood has retained its original characteristics. In fact, the state of conservation of this forest is unique in the world as the trunks of its plants have been covered by clay sediments and at the same time have sunk into the ground. The area around the forest has a lot to offer its visitors.
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The history of the fossil forest of Dunarobba
The history of the fossil forest of Dunarobba is rather recent as the site was discovered in the 1970s during excavations to extract clay from the quarry. The incredible surprise was found in a series of perfectly preserved ancient trunks. So it was decided to dig to understand this exceptional phenomenon.
According to the studies carried out, these plants belong to a type of conifer that has become extinct and has characteristics very similar to those of Sequoia sempervirens. In addition, it is understood that these plants probably date back to the geological era of Pilocene or between 3 and 2 million years ago. In the 1990s, the Plant Paleontology Centre was established to offer visitors the chance to discover what this forest once was like.
To protect this exceptional discovery, some logs are now covered with huts. In the future, others will be visible. Studies have identified 21 other logs that are just waiting to be unveiled to the world. In the vicinity of the naturalistic site have been found paleontological finds of large animals. It’s most likely Mammoth.
italia
Fossil forest of Dunarobba: here’s what to see
The fossil forest of Dunarobba is located near other interesting places to visit such as the ancient villages of Umbria. Among these is the beautiful medieval village of San Gemini. This town is famous in particular for its thermal waters and boasts a rich artistic and cultural heritage. In the village is located on the ancient Via Flaminia and was founded in the Middle Ages on the site of a Roman villa of the first century A. C.
The name San Gemini was adopted in the 9th century when a Syrian monk began preaching in these places, educating and helping the local community. The medieval town preserves monuments that have a great cultural and artistic value. One of the most interesting is the church of San Francesco located on the square of the same name.
Nearby there is another place to visit. It is the archaeological park of Carsulae located halfway between San Gemini and Terni. This is an ancient Roman town hall built on the Via Flaminia. During the excavations the remains of the basilica and two twin temples were unearthed. In addition, the theatre, the amphitheatre and the arch of San Damiano were also revealed. This marks the exit from the city on the Via Flaminia.
umbriatourism
What to eat near the fossil forest of Dunarobba?
In the areas surrounding the forest of Dunarobba you have the opportunity to discover the excellence of traditional Umbrian cuisine. Among the first dishes one of the most interesting are ciriole. It is a particular type of pasta typical of this area. They are prepared seasoned with different types of sauce.
Among the most common is the sauce ternana which is based on tomato, garlic and basil. Another specialty of the area very famous is the pampepato. This is a typical dessert that is traditionally prepared for the holiday season.
It is a baked product that is prepared with dried fruit, raisins, candied fruit, chocolate, cocoa ammaro, honey, coffee, spices and flour. According to legend, the ancient Romans ate a very similar food.
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Fossil forest of Dunarobba: what is it and where is it located?
The fossil forest of Dunarobba is an incredible paleontological site located in the province of Terni in Avignano Umbro. This place is only 13 kilometers away from the village of San Gemini. To visit the forest you need to buy a ticket for a guided tour that has a total duration of about 50 minutes.
The forest consists of 50 large vertical logs and covers an area of 8 hectares. This site offers an exceptional landscape, between the lunar and the surrealist, a great testimony of its absolute uniqueness.
Copertina: umbriaeventi
