Monte San Giorgio in Italy

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Protectedplanet.net

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2003
Size of heritage: 1,089 ha
- Buffer zone: 3,207 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 8,914°
Latitude: 45,889°

Summary

The pyramid-shaped, wooded mountain of Monte San Giorgio beside Lake Lugano is regarded as the best fossil record of marine life from the Triassic Period (245–230 million years ago). The sequence records life in a tropical lagoon environment, sheltered and partially separated from the open sea by an offshore reef. Diverse marine life flourished within this lagoon, including reptiles, fish, bivalves, ammonites, echinoderms and crustaceans. Because the lagoon was near land, the remains also include land-based fossils of reptiles, insects and plants, resulting in an extremely rich source of fossils.

Location on Map

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Monte San Giorgio: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Italy

Located in the Lombardy region of Italy, Monte San Giorgio is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its exceptional fossil record from the Middle Triassic period. This site, with its rich geological and paleontological significance, offers a unique window into the Earth's history, providing valuable insights into the evolution of marine life over 240 million years ago.

History

The geological formation of Monte San Giorgio began during the Middle Triassic period, when the area was submerged under a shallow tropical sea. Over time, the accumulation of sediment and the subsequent tectonic movements resulted in the formation of a mountain range. The fossils found in this region are exceptionally well-preserved due to the anoxic conditions of the sea floor, which prevented decomposition and allowed for the remarkable preservation of soft tissues.

Human presence in the area dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence of settlements and agricultural activities. However, it was not until the 19th century that the significance of Monte San Giorgio's fossil record was recognized. The first scientific excavations took place in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, led by renowned paleontologists such as Bernhard Peyer and Hugo Bucher.

Current State

Today, Monte San Giorgio is a protected area, managed by the Swiss and Italian authorities. The site covers an area of approximately 1,100 hectares, encompassing both the mountain and its surrounding landscape. The protection and conservation efforts aim to preserve the geological formations, fossils, and the unique biodiversity of the region.

The fossil-rich layers of Monte San Giorgio have yielded an extraordinary array of marine reptiles, fish, and invertebrates. Fossils of iconic species such as the reptile Tanystropheus and the fish Saurichthys have been discovered here, providing valuable insights into the evolution and adaptation of these ancient creatures.

Visitors to Monte San Giorgio can explore the site through a network of well-maintained trails and guided tours. The Fossil Museum in Meride, Switzerland, serves as an excellent starting point for visitors, providing an overview of the site's geological and paleontological significance. The museum showcases a remarkable collection of fossils, including complete skeletons and beautifully preserved specimens.

Address
Distance: 1,3 mi
Via Le Pinete 2
21059 Viggiu'
Italy

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

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Published: June 28, 2012
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Published: May 04, 2012
Length: 14:48 min
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Near airports

Lugano Airport
Medium airport - 8 mi (13 km)

Varese / Venegono Airport
Medium airport - 10 mi (17 km)

Locarno Airport
Small airport - 19 mi (31 km)

Malpensa International Airport
Large airport - 20 mi (33 km)

Linate Airport
Large airport - 35 mi (57 km)

Bergamo / Orio Al Serio Airport
Large airport - 41 mi (66 km)

Samedan Airport
Medium airport - 64 mi (104 km)

Torino / Caselle International Airport
Large airport - 77 mi (125 km)

Buochs Airport
Small airport - 79 mi (128 km)

Nearby places