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Museo Paleontologico Territoriale dell'Astigiano: A Journey Through Time

Discover ancient whales and dolphins at Asti's Paleontological Museum, a window into the Pliocene epoch and Italy's rich fossil heritage.

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Explore the ancient past at the Museo Paleontologico Territoriale dell'Astigiano in Asti, Italy. Housed in the historic Palazzo del Michelerio, the museum showcases a remarkable collection of fossils, including marine mammals from the Pliocene epoch, offering a glimpse into the region's prehistoric environment.

A brief summary to Museo Paleontologico Territoriale dell'Astigiano

  • Monday 11 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-5 pm
  • Friday 11 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Allow at least one hour to explore the museum's exhibits fully.
  • Consider booking a guided tour in advance by calling +39 0141 592091.
  • The museum is closed on Tuesdays.
  • Check the official website for the most up-to-date information on opening hours and special exhibitions.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Museo Paleontologico Territoriale dell'Astigiano is located at Corso Vittorio Alfieri, 381 in the city center. From Piazza Alfieri, walk east along Corso Vittorio Alfieri. The museum will be on your right within a few minutes. This is a straightforward, level walk.

  • Public Transport

    Asti is served by an extensive public transport network. Several bus lines connect the Asti train station and the city center. From the bus station in Piazza Marconi, walk west along Corso Vittorio Alfieri to reach the museum. A single ticket costs €1.20.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Asti, especially near the train station in Piazza Marconi. A short taxi ride from the train station to the Museo Paleontologico on Corso Vittorio Alfieri will cost approximately €8.50, which is the minimum fare. Call +39 0141 59 27 22 for taxi service.

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Discover more about Museo Paleontologico Territoriale dell'Astigiano

The Museo Paleontologico Territoriale dell'Astigiano, also known as the Fossil Museum, is located in the Palazzo del Michelerio in Asti. This museum is managed by the Ente di Gestione del Parco Paleontologico Astigiano, an organization established by the Regione Piemonte. The museum's paleontological collection comprises over 18,000 fossils, primarily from the Asti area. The Asti region's paleontological significance is highlighted by its fossil-rich outcrops and vertebrate remains, which have attracted scholars since the 17th century. The museum is located in the basement of the Palazzo del Michelerio. The first part of the exhibition deals with general and territorial paleontology, describing the geological periods between the Miocene and the Pliocene, and reviewing the events of the last 25 million years. The second section showcases fossil skeletons of Asti cetaceans, including mysticetes (whales) and odontocetes (dolphins) from the Pliocene epoch (5 to 2 million years ago) when the Po Valley was underwater. The former Gesù church houses the 'Leviathan and the Sirens' exhibition, featuring the sperm whale from Vigliano and the siren from Montiglio. Key specimens include the Valmontasca whale, the Cortandone whale, and the Settime dolphin. The museum also features a reconstruction of the Megalodon's jaw. The Palazzo del Michelerio, which houses the museum, was originally a mid-16th century monastery.

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