by InTrieste
In November 1984, Alceo Tarlao and Giorgio Rimoli, two mineralogy enthusiasts from Trieste, made a discovery that would captivate Italy’s scientific community for decades: a paleontological site brimming with dinosaur fossils at the Villaggio del Pescatore, just outside Trieste. Now, four decades later, the Italian scientific community and local residents are gathering to honor this rare site and its enduring impact on paleontology.
This weekend, the Natural History Museum of Trieste will host a two-day event, “Dinosaurs of the Karst: 40 Years of Research at Villaggio del Pescatore.” The celebration includes guided tours, scientific discussions, children’s workshops, and screenings, all dedicated to the site where Italy’s most important dinosaur fossils were unearthed.
Located in the scenic limestone Karst plateau, the site has brought to light some of the oldest dinosaur remains in Italy, including Tethyshadros insularis, affectionately known as “Antonio,” a fossilized hadrosaur dating back approximately 80 million years. Over the years, paleontologists from the University of Bologna and the University of Trieste, alongside the Italian National Research Council (CNR), have meticulously studied these fossils, uncovering details of an ancient environment that once thrived in this region.
A Tribute to Past and Future Discoveries
Starting Friday afternoon, visitors will be able to experience the Natural History Museum’s Paleontology Halls, featuring new exhibits that delve into recent discoveries from the site. Leading the discussions will be Italian paleontologists Federico Fanti and Marco Muscioni of the University of Bologna, who will present their research on the “macro/micro cosmos” of the site. The talks will culminate with a screening of The Dinosaur Hunter: Mission Italy, a National Geographic/Disney documentary that chronicles efforts to understand the fossils from the Villaggio del Pescatore and beyond.
“These fossils have not only revealed Italy’s prehistoric past but have also reshaped our understanding of how dinosaurs might have evolved in isolated environments,” said Dr. Fanti in a statement to local media. His colleague, Dr. Muscioni, added that each discovery brings them closer to grasping how Italy, once a cluster of islands in a tropical sea, could support creatures as large as dinosaurs.
Immersive Experiences at the Dinosaur Site
Saturday’s schedule moves to the original dig site at Villaggio del Pescatore. Tours, available only by reservation, will run throughout the day, led by experts from the museum, the University of Bologna, and local guide service Estplore. Children will have their own set of activities, including “The Stone Dinosaur,” a hands-on workshop where they can channel their inner paleontologists by recreating ancient environments in clay and stone.
The event promises to deepen connections between the community and the paleontological heritage that continues to draw scientists from across Europe to Trieste. “Bringing the public to the site where it all began is crucial,” said Deborah Arbulla, curator of the Natural History Museum and coordinator of the celebration. “We want the next generation to appreciate the site’s significance and join us in preserving it.”
A Historic Collaboration
Supported by the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, the event is a collaboration among Italy’s premier research institutions, including the University of Trieste and CNR’s Institute of Marine Sciences, whose studies on prehistoric marine conditions have complemented discoveries at Villaggio del Pescatore. Also involved are Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste and Zoic Srl, whose innovations in 3D modeling have enabled reconstructions of how these dinosaurs might have appeared.
Thanks to these collaborations, the museum has expanded its dinosaur exhibits, offering new insights for researchers and casual visitors alike. For those who make the pilgrimage to Villaggio del Pescatore this weekend, the event serves as a rare opportunity to witness the fossils up close and hear directly from the experts working to piece together Italy’s prehistory.
If You Go
- Friday, November 8: Events begin at 3 PM at the Natural History Museum in Trieste, featuring tours and discussions. Entry is free.
- Saturday, November 9: Guided tours and children’s workshops at Villaggio del Pescatore, Duino Aurisina. Entry is by reservation only, with limited capacity.
For additional information and reservations, visit estplore.it or museostorianaturaletrieste.it.
