The dinosaur tracks were discovered by chance in 2000 during roadwork operations on the highway connecting San Marco in Lamis to San Giovanni Rotondo.
The tracks belong to a wide variety of dinosaurs, including those of small and large theropods, as well as ornithischians.
Geological evidence at the site suggests the area was a tropical lagoon environment during the Cretaceous.
The footprints are preserved in limestone layers that represent the ancient 'Apulia Platform'.
The museum contains one of the largest concentrations of dinosaur tracks ever found in Italy.
The site provides evidence of a 'dinosaur crossroads' where animals moved across ephemeral islands within the Tethys Ocean.
The Museo Paleontologico dei Dinosauri is situated in Borgo Celano, near San Marco in Lamis, and is built directly on a site containing authentic dinosaur trackways. The museum preserves fossilized footprints dating back to the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 120 million years ago. Its exhibition space documents the geological history of the Gargano Promontory, which was once an isolated carbonate platform. The facility features life-sized dinosaur reconstructions, including models of predatory theropods and herbivorous species. Displays are integrated with the actual rock surfaces where the dinosaur tracks were discovered during the construction of a nearby road. Interactive panels and multimedia exhibits explain the paleobiology and paleoenvironment of the Apulian region. The museum is operated in collaboration with the Parco Nazionale del Gargano. It serves as both a scientific research center and an educational hub for local Mesozoic fauna.
The central hall featuring the high-fidelity cast of the trackway surface alongside the life-sized carnivore reconstruction.
Wear comfortable, non-slip footwear as some sections involve walking over uneven, rugged rocky terrain.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Sanctuary of Saint Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo.
Check the official website for guided tour availability, as many exhibits are best interpreted with a local paleontologist.
Do not attempt to walk on the protected rocky surfaces outside of designated pathways, as they are fragile and archaeologically sensitive.
Closed on Mondays during the off-season; seasonal variations in operating hours occur between winter and summer months.
Do not touch the fossilized trackways or any roped-off geological features; maintain a quiet tone to respect the educational environment.
