House of Fossils // Dalberto Pombo Environmental Interpretation Centre

The House of Fossils // Dalberto Pombo Environmental Interpretation Centre resulted from the reconstruction of an old historic building in Vila do Porto. 

This Centre houses the collections of the naturalist Dalberto Pombo, a true pioneer in the study of the geological and biological diversity of Santa Maria and aims to promote the natural heritage dynamically and interactively, with an educational and scientific approach.

Here, visitors have the opportunity to interact directly with life-size models of animals, such as butterflies and beetles from the Azores and around the world, and migratory birds whose routes pass over the island, and to learn about the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta).

To showcase the marine fossils, which are of international importance and unique to the Azores, a new wing has been created at the Centre, the House of Fossils, where visitors can view specimens from the naturalist’s collection and the reference collection of the University of the Azores.

The House of Fossils offers a 3D journey through the island’s geological formation, from the past to the present, highlighting the importance of its palaeontological wealth in an international context. Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn about some of the world’s most renowned researchers, particularly in geology, palaeontology, biogeography and stratigraphy.

The interactive game available in this wing also allows visitors to experience what it is like to be a palaeontologist.