The chance to discover the Monferrato hills and have further information about the origin, the flora and fauna that characterize them, is provided by the Nature Reserves within the Asti area. In the province of Asti there are three protected areas recognized at regional level and managed by the Ente di Gestione del Parco Paleontologico Astigiano whose seat is in the Paleontological Museum of Asti: the Nature Reserve of Valle Andona, Valle Botto and Valle Grande; the Nature Reserve of Val Sarmassa; the Nature Park of Rocchetta Tanaro.
Visiting the Paleontological Museum, located in the rooms of the 16th century Palazzo del Michelerio, you can discover the last 25 million years during which Monferrato emerged from the bottom of the sea. The large fossil cetaceans are on display: whales and dolphins dating back to the Pliocene period when the Po Valley was covered by the sea (about 3.5 million years ago).
The Nature Park of Rocchetta Tanaro was founded in 1980 and boasts a unique woodland heritage composed of chestnut and robinia coppices, and tall forest trees, in which a mixed oak woodland prevails.
The presence of the freshwater crayfish is significant, a biological indicator that bears witness to the good quality of the water.
The Val Sarmassa Nature Reserve was founded in 1993: stunning landscapes, part of the Unesco site, hills covered mainly by woods interspersed with meadows, fields and vineyards. On the ridges of the steepest hills the robinias have replaced the vines. The most significant example of oak is the "Ru", the ancient tree mentioned in the books by Davide Lajolo, writer and politician born in Vinchio.
There are numerous sand and clay outcrops containing sea shells and marine mammal remains.
In the protected area there is the Casotto di Ulisse, Davide Lajolo’s refuge: used as a shelter for agricultural tools, it became the first base of local partisans during the war of liberation.
Valle Andona, Valle Botto and Valle Grande Nature Reserve was established in 1985 to safeguard the rich paleontological heritage of the area.
Through routes and outcrops equipped for public use, the main fossiliferous features of the Pliocene period in the hills surrounding Asti (5.4-1.8 million years ago) can be seen.
Geosite of Cortiglione
Marine molluscs dating back to 3.5 million years ago in the former sand quarry in loc. Cortiglione (At).
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