Ziegeleigrube Vorhalle, Cultural heritage quarry in Hagen-Nord, Germany
Ziegeleigrube Vorhalle is an old quarry in Hagen-Nord that exposes sediment layers formed 318 million years ago in a prehistoric marine setting. The exposed faces contain traces of ancient organisms and plant matter preserved within the stone layers.
Commercial brick production began here in the 1860s, later shifting to clinker manufacturing as demand changed. Industrial operations continued at the site until 1989, after which it became a location for scientific study.
The name refers to the brick and clay extraction that shaped the local landscape for generations. Walking through the site, visitors can still see the distinctive layered walls and stone formations that mark this industrial past.
Visit as part of guided tours organized by local museums to safely explore the geological formations. Wear sturdy footwear since the ground is uneven and walking is necessary to see the stone layers up close.
Scientists discovered some of the world's earliest winged insects here, including primitive dragonflies from a time when insects were first developing wings. These findings offer rare insight into the early stages of insect evolution.
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