Introduction
Nestled in the ruggedly beautiful Matarraña region, Inhóspitak serves as a vital satellite of the Museo Aragonés de Paleontología. The center was born from a monumental discovery in 1996, when local residents in Peñarroya de Tastavins unearthed the remains of a prehistoric giant that had been buried for over 100 million years. Today, as part of the Territorio Dinópolis network, the museum stands as a premier destination for "paleo-tourism," blending rigorous scientific research with immersive storytelling to showcase the extraordinary fossil wealth of the Aragon region.
The centerpiece of the collection is Tastavinsaurus sanzi, a massive sauropod dinosaur that roamed this territory during the Lower Cretaceous period. Visitors have the rare opportunity to stand in the shadow of one of the most complete large-dinosaur skeletons ever discovered in Europe. The exhibition expertly reconstructs an era when these now-arid landscapes were lush, coastal wetlands, providing a fascinating look at the evolution of life through original fossils, life-sized replicas, and detailed laboratory displays.
Why You Should Visit
- The "Tastavinsaurus" Experience: Witness the incredible 17-meter-long reconstruction of the local titan and see the original bones that sparked a regional scientific revolution.
- Behind-the-Scenes Science: Explore the preparation area where paleontologists clean and study fossils, offering a transparent look at how history is literally chiseled from stone.
- Stunning Location: Combine your love for natural history with a visit to Peñarroya de Tastavins, a village renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture and mountainous scenery.
- Educational Fun: The museum is designed to be accessible for all ages, making it an ideal stop for families looking to inspire the next generation of explorers.
Highlights
- Tastavinsaurus sanzi (Holotype Fossils) by Nature (c. 120 Million BC): These original fossilized remains represent one of the most complete titanosauriform dinosaurs ever discovered in Europe, found right in Peñarroya de Tastavins.
- Life-size Tastavinsaurus Reconstruction by Dinópolis Paleo-Artists (2003): This massive, 17-meter-long sculpture provides a breathtaking look at how the "Aragonese Titan" would have appeared while roaming the Early Cretaceous landscape.
- The In-Situ Excavation Replica by Fundación Conjunto Paleontológico (2003): This immersive display recreates the exact sandstone block and positioning of the bones as they were first uncovered by paleontologists in 1996.
- Lower Cretaceous Marine Invertebrates by Nature (c. 115 Million BC): A collection of fossilized ammonites and nautiloids that demonstrate the geological era when this mountainous region was submerged under a shallow prehistoric sea.
- The Great Sauropod Femur by Nature (c. 120 Million BC): This exceptionally large and well-preserved leg bone allows visitors to appreciate the sheer scale and skeletal weight of these long-necked herbivores.
- Tastavinsaurus Pelvic Girdle by Nature (c. 120 Million BC): An impressively intact set of hip bones that provided researchers with the essential data needed to classify this specimen as a unique genus and species.
- Scientific Preparation Laboratory by Sede Inhóspitak Curators (2003): A specialized exhibit area that showcases the delicate tools and technical processes used to extract fossils from rock and preserve them for study.
- Sauropod Trackway Casts by Nature (c. 125 Million BC): Large-scale replicas of dinosaur footprints found in the Teruel province that illustrate the migratory paths and herd behavior of Cretaceous giants.
Getting There
Inhóspitak, a key site of the Territorio Dinópolis, is located in the town of Peñarroya de Tastavins within the Matarraña region of Teruel.
By Car
Driving is the most common way to reach the museum. Peñarroya de Tastavins is situated in the eastern part of the province of Teruel. Visitors should follow regional roads into the Comarca del Matarraña toward the town center. The museum is located at Ramón y Cajal, s/n.
Public Transport
Visitors can reach the museum by using regional transport services that connect the various localities of the Matarraña district. Travelers should look for connections heading to Peñarroya de Tastavins from other major hubs in the Teruel province.
Walking and Parking
The museum is centrally located within the village, making it easily accessible on foot for those already in Peñarroya de Tastavins. Parking can be found in the streets surrounding the Ramón y Cajal area or in designated public parking spots within the village.
Admission & Opening Hours
To ensure a smooth visit to the Museo Aragonés de Paleontología - Sede Inhóspitak, please note the following schedule and admission details.
Opening Hours
The museum is open to the public from Thursday through Sunday. Please note that the facility is closed during the first three days of the week.
- Monday: closed
- Tuesday: closed
- Wednesday: closed
- Thursday: 10:30-14:30
- Friday: 10:30-14:30
- Saturday: 10:30-14:30
- Sunday: 10:30-14:30
Admission
Information regarding ticket prices and entry fees is not currently listed. Visitors are encouraged to check the official website for the most up-to-date admission rates and booking requirements.
Nearby Attractions
- Plaza de España (500 m, 7 mins): The village's picturesque main square is home to the Renaissance-style town hall and serves as the central hub of the historic quarter.
- Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor (550 m, 8 mins): This grand Baroque church is a centerpiece of the town's architectural heritage, featuring an impressive stone facade and vaulted interior.
- Museo Etnológico "Lo Masmut" (600 m, 9 mins): A local museum that provides a look at traditional rural life in the Matarraña region through its collection of historical tools and artifacts.
- Santuario de la Virgen de la Fuente (1.4
Know Before You Go
Accessibility
- The museum is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that all visitors can navigate the exhibition spaces comfortably.
Photography
- Photography for personal use is generally permitted. Visitors are encouraged to check for specific signage regarding the use of flash or tripods within the galleries.
Best Time to Visit
- It is recommended to verify the current opening hours before your trip to Peñarroya de Tastavins, as schedules may vary depending on the time of year.
Facilities
- Specific on-site services are not specified for this location. Visitors should plan their trip around the focused paleontological exhibits dedicated to the region's dinosaur history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Inhóspitak? A: Inhóspitak is a specialized paleontological museum and one of the seven satellite centers of the Dinópolis Territory. It is a branch of the Museo Aragonés de Paleontología designed to showcase the significant dinosaur discoveries made specifically in the Peñarroya de Tastavins area.
Q: Where is the museum located? A: The museum is located in the town of Peñarroya de Tastavins, within the Matarraña region of the province of Teruel, Aragon. It is situated approximately two hours from the main Dinópolis park in Teruel city.
Q: What is the main highlight of the collection? A: The star of the museum is Tastavinsaurus sanzi, a massive sauropod (long-necked dinosaur) that lived approximately 110 million years ago. Visitors can view the original fossils of this "Tastavins Lizard," which is considered one of the most complete and best-preserved Cretaceous dinosaurs found in Spain.
Q: How does Inhóspitak differ from the main Dinópolis park in Teruel? A: While the central park in Teruel offers large-scale theme park attractions and a broad history of life on Earth, Inhóspitak is a more focused, scientific site. It emphasizes local excavations and the specific methodology used by paleontologists to recover and study fossils found in the Matarraña district.
Q: Can I see paleontologists at work? A: Yes. One of the unique features of Inhóspitak is its glass-walled laboratory. Visitors can often observe technicians and researchers from the Museo Aragonés de Paleontología as they clean, restore, and prepare real fossils for study and display.
Q: Is the museum suitable for children? A: Absolutely. The museum is designed for families and includes several features to engage younger visitors:
- Life-sized reconstructions of dinosaurs.
- Interactive audiovisual displays.
- Educational panels that explain the "journey" of a fossil from the ground to the museum.
Q: Do I need a separate ticket to visit? A: You can purchase a single-site ticket specifically for Inhóspitak at the entrance. However, if you plan to visit other sites in the province, it is often more economical to purchase a "Territorio Dinópolis" pass, which includes access to the main park in Teruel and all seven regional centers.
Q: What are the typical opening hours? A: Opening hours vary significantly depending on the season. The museum is generally open daily during the summer and on weekends or holidays during the spring and autumn. It is recommended to check the official Dinópolis website for the most current schedule before your visit.
Q: What else can I do in Peñarroya de Tastavins? A: The town itself is a historic gem. After visiting the museum, you can explore the Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Fuente (a UNESCO-recognized site), hike the scenic "Rocks of Masmut," or visit the local Ethnological Museum to learn about traditional life in the Matarraña region.
Q: How do I get to the museum? A: The most convenient way to reach Peñarroya de Tastavins is by car. It is located in the eastern corner of Teruel; from Teruel city, take the N-420 and N-232, or from the coast, access the region via the T-331 from Tortosa. There is ample parking available near the museum entrance.