Riserva Naturale Orientata Dune Fossili di Massenzatica
Timetable
The trail is open to visitors every day, subject to the usual visiting rules.
The visitor centre is open from:
1 March to 30 June and from 1 September to 31 October on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
This area, covered in dunes running in a North-South direction, is recognised by archaeologist as being one of the former coastlines of the Adriatic during the Etruscan period.
Generally known as Monticelli, the area consists of dunes six to eight metres or more high, which stand above the surrounding plain. This particular environment is inhabited by foxes and various kinds of rodents.
Visitor Notes
The fossil dune area is enclosed and generally accessible only via guided tours along designated routes, but visitors can also follow a path around the dunes to admire them from the outside. The small Visitor Centre occasionally offers guided tours for groups, featuring educational itineraries. In addition, this evocative location provides guided tours and accessible facilities for visually impaired visitors.
How to get there
The dunes are located between the villages of Massenzatica and Italba.
By car: From Bosco Mesola, take the road towards Ariano Ferrarese–Berra, continue to Massenzatica, and then turn left towards Pontelangorino–Codigoro.
