Fossil Museum of the Mira de Aire Caves

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Leiria > Porto de Mós > Mira de Aire

Location

The Fossil Museum is located in the village of Mira de Aire, in the municipality of Porto de Mós. It is situated next to the entrance complex of the Mira de Aire Caves, specifically in the elevated area known as Jardim das Rochas (Rock Garden). This location provides an integrated environment for visits and positions the museum at an easily accessible point within the natural surroundings.

Traces of Remote Eras

The museum houses a collection of fossil specimens that offer a glimpse into the natural history of the region. Among the various findings, notably, fossils were surprisingly recovered from the parking lot of the Mira de Aire Caves themselves, highlighting the paleontological richness of the local subsoil. Most of these remains date back to the Jurassic period, revealing the presence of ancient marine environments that once covered this area.

A Window into the Geological Past

Through its exhibition, the Fossil Museum provides an opportunity to explore the deep geological chronology of Mira de Aire and its surroundings. The displayed fossils are testimonies of life that existed millions of years ago, when the landscape we observe today was a seabed. This collection contributes to understanding the evolution of the territory, connecting visitors with the natural forces that shaped the region over vast periods of time.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt