Giuseppe Borsalino Cultural Centre

Giuseppe Borsalino Cultural Centre is a visitor center of the Management Body for the protected Areas of the piedmontese Po.

Approximately 9 - 9.5 million years ago, the area surrounding modern-day Pecetto di Valenza was submerged under a marine environment, evidenced by substantial outcrops of diatomaceous earth, or tripoli.

These sedimentary deposits consist primarily of the accumulated siliceous frustules of diatoms and calcareous shells of foraminifera.

The municipal territory is characterized by a significant fossiliferous deposit of international relevance, providing a rich record of Upper Miocene teleost fish fauna.

The exhibition is simple, engaging and educational.

It showcases the site’s rich palaeontological record.

Fossilised fish skeletons belonging to species characteristic of the Upper Miocene, now extinct, are displayed in the showcases.
Their excellent state of preservation allows even the smallest details to be appreciated.

Educational panels, displays and dioramas introduce visitors to:

• the main themes of palaeontology;
• the technical skills required to conduct palaeontological excavations and research.

The Centre also houses:

• a collection of minerals;
• an exhibition of Borsalino hats.

The Centre houses a reference library.

The Centre provides:

• guided tours;
• visits to La Rocca di Pecetto in Valenza, which features a botanical garden and an astronomical park;
• events and initiatives.