Messel pit, Paleontological site in Darmstadt-Dieburg, Germany
The Messel Pit contains sedimentary deposits with exceptionally preserved organisms, including mammals, reptiles, fish, and insects from 47 million years ago.
The area operated as a mining quarry for bituminous shale until 1971, when scientific excavations began revealing thousands of detailed fossil specimens.
The site serves as an essential research center for international scientists studying the evolution of species during the Eocene epoch.
Visitors can explore the geological formations and fossil discoveries through guided tours, while detailed exhibits are displayed at the Messel Museum.
The fossil deposits contain complete skeletons with preserved soft tissues, showing details of fur, feathers, and internal organs of ancient creatures.
Location: Darmstadt-Dieburg
GPS coordinates: 49.91750,8.75667
Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:23
Hesse displays significant historical structures from multiple periods. The Roman fort Saalburg presents military architecture from the 2nd century. The monasteries of Arnsburg and Seligenstadt preserve Carolingian and Romanesque construction. Trendelburg and Friedrichstein castles connect medieval history with the Grimm era. The Crystal Cave Kubach and the Stone Field in Odenwald add geological formations to the cultural heritage.
Dianaburg
4.2 km
Aufgelassener Steinbruch
4.6 km
Fossilien- und Heimatmuseum Messel
2.7 km
Fernmeldeturm Mainzer Berg
1.8 km
Backhausteich
4.6 km
Kranichsteiner Wald mit Hegbachaue,Mörsbacher Grund und Silzwiesen
3.6 km
Alexanderburg
3.8 km
Silzwiesen von Darmstadt-Arheilgen
3.2 km
Im Mörsbacher Grund von Darmstadt-Arheilgen
3.9 km
Jagdschirm
3.2 km
Drei-Prinzen-Brunnen
3.8 km
Jagdschirm
3.8 km
Naturschutzgebiet Neuwiese von Messel
3.7 km
Das große Hörmes bei Dieburg
4.8 km
Dianateich
4 km
Eichengalerie
1.2 km
Evangelische Kirche Messel
2.7 km
Jagdschirm
3.6 km
Georgenbrunnen
3 km
Alte Landwehr
3.2 km
Sandmagerrasen am Spießfeld westlich Dieburg
4.6 km
Kesselhaus der ehemaligen Raffinerie
645 m
Katholische Filialkirche St. Antonius
656 m
Neuwiese und Wald nordöstlich von Messel
4 km
Besucherzentrum Welterbe Grube Messel
416 m
Dianaburg mit Dianateich
4.2 km
Grenz- und Meilenstein
3.4 km
Jagdschirm
3.6 kmReviews
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