The «Ferruccio Lombardi» Civic Natural History Museum in Stradella represents one of the cultural pearls of the Oltrepò Pavese. Initially created as the «Museum of the Po», the museum has gradually broadened its horizons to become a point of reference for the representation and testimony of the territory‘s naturalistic environment. Through its various sections, the museum offers a fascinating journey through the geological, paleontological and biological history of the territory.
Geology: A Journey through the History of the Earth
The first section of the museum is dedicated to Geology. Here, visitors can admire a large collection of minerals and rocks typical of the area, as well as lithological, sectarian and crystal features. A particularly interesting attraction is the gold traces of the Po, found in the gravel and sand of the river. This area not only offers an insight into the geological features of the region, but also provides an important window into the geological history of the earth.
Anthropology: Evidence of the Human Past
Within the museum, a small but significant sector is dedicated to Anthropology. Here, human remains and mammal fossils from the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods are on display. These finds provide valuable evidence of the ancient people who inhabited the region and their way of life.
Palaeontology: The Giants of the Pleistocene
A large and thorough section is dedicated to palaeontology. This exhibition area features the remains of many of the mammals that lived during the Pleistocene and were found in the Po. Among the most fascinating finds are skeletons of large prehistoric animals that once populated these lands. The museum‘s palaeontological collection offers a unique opportunity to understand the fauna of the past and the climate change that influenced their existence.
Anthrotrophs and Heterotrophs: Flora and Fauna of Oltrepò
The section dedicated to Anthrotrophs preserves the woody species of the Oltrepò, providing a broad overview of the region‘s vegetation. Next to this, the Heterotrophs section presents the main animal species that inhabit the Po territory. Noteworthy among these are the meticulously preserved and catalogued collections of diurnal butterflies and snails.
Insects and their Interaction with Man
A particularly interesting area of the museum is dedicated to insects and their interaction with humans. Here, the focus is on two species of great importance: bees and the silkworm. Through detailed exhibits, visitors can discover the importance of these insects for the ecosystem and the human economy, as well as the traditional techniques of beekeeping and sericulture.
Environmental and Climatic Reconstructions
In a rather large area of the museum, various environmental and climatic situations are reconstructed, offering visitors an immersive experience. These reconstructions provide a better understanding of how climatic conditions varied in the past and how they influenced the local flora and fauna. Through detailed models and realistic scenarios, the museum offers a fascinating journey through time and space.
Conclusion
The Museo Civico Naturalistico ‘Ferruccio Lombardi‘ in Stradella is not only a place of conservation and exhibition, but also a centre for education and awareness of the importance of nature and history. Each section of the museum offers a unique opportunity to explore and better understand the natural world and our past. Visiting this museum means undertaking a fascinating journey through geological eras, discovering ancient creatures that once populated our land and learning about the importance of biodiversity conservation. An unmissable experience for anyone who wants to learn more about the nature and history of the Oltrepò pavese.
