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 preserves an extensive collection of historic structures spanning nearly two millennia. The Roman fort of Saalburg near Bad Homburg documents 2nd century frontier fortifications along the Limes. Medieval monasteries such as Arnsburg near Lich and Seligenstadt demonstrate Carolingian and Romanesque construction, while the abbey ruins at Bad Hersfeld reveal the architectural scale of Benedictine establishments. The Abbey of Lorsch holds UNESCO World Heritage status and presents through its gatehouse one of the most important examples of early medieval architecture north of the Alps. The region connects these religious and military structures with castles and palaces from various periods. Münzenberg Castle and the ruins at Ulrichstein document Hohenstaufen fortification techniques, while Braunfels Palace and Friedrichstein Palace in Bad Wildungen illustrate the evolution from defensive stronghold to residence. The Grimm Brothers House in Steinau an der Straße links literary heritage with regional history. Geological formations such as the Rock Sea in the Odenwald and the Crystal Cave at Kubach complement the human built monuments with natural history features.
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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