Pietraroja Formation

The Pietraroja Formation is a limestone deposit in Campania that spans mountainous terrain and contains multiple rock layers with fossil remains. The exposed strata clearly show different geological periods and their composition throughout the landscape.

This formation developed 100 to 112 million years ago during the Albian age of the Cretaceous period from tropical shallow seas. It records a time when shallow marine waters covered the Campania region.

Scientists and researchers regularly visit the formation to study its extensive collection of fossils, which include marine life, amphibians, and dinosaur remains.

You can reach the formation via local roads near the village of Pietraroja, where the La Cavere quarry serves as the main observation point. The area is fairly accessible and offers walking routes through the rock formations.

Within the limestone layers sits the remarkably preserved skeleton of a young theropod dinosaur called Scipionyx samniticus. This specimen is rare for preserving fine details such as skin impressions and muscle tissue traces.