Cava Pontrelli Dinosaur Tracksite
A critically important European dinosaur tracksite, currently abandoned and inaccessible, holding thousands of ancient footprints.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Cava Pontrelli Dinosaur Tracksite
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A critically important European dinosaur tracksite, currently abandoned and inaccessible, holding thousands of ancient footprints.
"A jewel of European paleontology, sadly abandoned and inaccessible, making it a disappointing visit."
Check for Reopening Status
The site is currently closed and inaccessible. Verify any official announcements regarding reopening before visiting. :informationdeskperson:
Manage Expectations
Due to its abandoned state, you may not be able to see much. Don't expect a developed tourist attraction. :disappointed_relieved:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dinosaur Footprints
Thousands of ancient dinosaur tracks, a testament to prehistoric life, offering a glimpse into a distant past.
Paleontological Significance
A site of immense scientific value, hailed as a jewel of European paleontology.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessibility & Current Status
Paleontological Importance
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check for Reopening Status
The site is currently closed and inaccessible. Verify any official announcements regarding reopening before visiting. :informationdeskperson:
Manage Expectations
Due to its abandoned state, you may not be able to see much. Don't expect a developed tourist attraction. :disappointed_relieved:
Respect Signage
Do not enter restricted areas. Signs indicate 'No entry for unauthorized persons.' :noentrysign:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check for Reopening Status
The site is currently closed and inaccessible. Verify any official announcements regarding reopening before visiting. :informationdeskperson:
Manage Expectations
Due to its abandoned state, you may not be able to see much. Don't expect a developed tourist attraction. :disappointed_relieved:
Respect Signage
Do not enter restricted areas. Signs indicate 'No entry for unauthorized persons.' :noentrysign:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
While Cava Pontrelli holds immense paleontological importance as a significant European dinosaur tracksite, it is currently inaccessible and in a state of neglect. Visitors express frustration over the lack of access and upkeep, contrasting its scientific value with its poor visitor experience.
"The star should be one, but it's actually not open to visitors, and you have to sneak in "easily." It should be a jewel of European paleontology, but it's in a complete state of neglect. I encourage everyone to visit it (even though it's closed), as I did with my girlfriend, to demonstrate the interest."
Davide Fantini
"I give 5 stars only for the paleontological importance of this quarry, but it deserves 1 because it is totally abandoned despite the redevelopment projects, unfortunately in Italy it is like this and while in the United States or England they would make tons of money with a place like this, in the Bel Paese it is totally abandoned (like many other sites of this type).
The footprints found belong to various species of dinosaurs, most of which are herbivorous although there is no shortage of those of carnivorous dinosaurs. The footprints would be approximately 4000 in number and would belong to about two hundred specimens belonging to five different species. The paleontologist and ichnologist Umberto Nicosia has defined it as the "most important Italian if not European site, both from a paleobiogeographical and a directly ichnological point of view"."
Pippo
"A site of primary importance for dinosaur archaeology, these footprints take you back to a distant yet visible time...
Unfortunately, like many sites in Puglia and the South, they remain under-recognized..."
Antonio Santelia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Information on public transport or driving directions is scarce as the site is currently inaccessible. Visitors have reported finding a closed area with 'No entry' signs. It's best to check for any local updates or official advisories before attempting to visit.
While the location might be known, finding a way to access it is the main challenge. Reports indicate it's in a state of neglect and closed off, making it difficult to locate anything of interest.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Currently, the site is closed and inaccessible, so no tickets are required or available. Visitors have noted 'No entry for unauthorized persons' signs, indicating it's not open to the public.
The dinosaur tracksite is not officially open to visitors. Reports suggest it is in a state of abandonment and has been closed off, so there are no set opening hours.
No, based on recent visitor accounts, Cava Pontrelli is not open to the public. It is described as abandoned and inaccessible, with restricted entry.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
While scientifically significant for its dinosaur footprints, the site is currently neglected and inaccessible. Visitors report seeing only remnants of old quarry machinery from afar and no clear view of the tracks.
Given its current state of abandonment and inaccessibility, many visitors feel it's not worth the trip as you cannot see the tracks. Its paleontological importance is high, but the visitor experience is severely lacking.
There is no indication of guided tours being available, especially since the site is closed and neglected. The focus seems to be on its scientific value rather than tourism.
📸 📸 Photography
While there are no official restrictions mentioned due to its inaccessibility, you likely won't be able to get close enough to photograph the tracks. Any photos would be of the abandoned quarry itself.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Paleontology Enthusiasts
Day-Trippers & Casual Visitors
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Paleontological Gem of Cava Pontrelli
Despite its global importance, the site suffers from a severe lack of recognition and maintenance, a common issue for many significant locations in Southern Italy. The contrast between its scientific potential and its current neglected state is stark, leading to disappointment for those who seek to experience this paleontological marvel firsthand. The potential for educational tourism and scientific research is immense, yet remains largely untapped.
Visitor Experience: A Tale of Neglect
This neglect is a recurring theme in reviews, with comparisons drawn to how similar sites are managed and capitalized upon in countries like the United States or England. The sentiment is that a site of such paleontological importance should be a major attraction, but instead, it remains an under-recognized and inaccessible relic. While the historical and scientific value is undeniable, the lack of public access and upkeep significantly diminishes its appeal as a tourist destination.
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