Vale de Meios Ichnofossil Deposit

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Tourist Attraction

District: Santarém > Santarém > Vale da Trave

Location

The Vale de Meios ichnofossil site is located in the locality of Vale da Trave, in the municipality of Santarém. This site is situated within the vast and emblematic Serra de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park, a setting that confers upon it a predominantly rural and serene environment.

The natural landscape dominates the scenery, providing direct immersion into the region's geology and nature, and inviting the observation of its natural heritage in a tranquil environment.

A Jurassic Legacy

The Vale de Meios ichnofossil site represents a remarkable testament to a very ancient period in our planet's history. This site offers a fascinating journey back to the Middle Jurassic, a geological era when dinosaurs roamed these lands, long before the emergence of humanity.

At this location, it is possible to observe ichnofossils, which consist of the fossilized footprints of these prehistoric giants. The site is widely recognized as one of the most significant points in the Iberian Peninsula for the discovery and study of these remains.

The Collection of Prehistoric Footprints

This paleontological site is distinguished by its vast collection, which includes a remarkable set of over a thousand dinosaur footprints. Both the size of the site and the concentration of ichnofossils are particularly striking aspects.

Its exceptional preservation is a distinctive feature, allowing visitors to clearly appreciate the details of these prehistoric marks. These petrified footprints offer a unique perspective on the behavior and characteristics of the dinosaurs that once inhabited the region, providing a moment of great discovery and admiration.

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