Le Pietre del Drago – The Dinosaur Park of Matelica

In Matelica, in Italy’s Marche region, there’s a place loved by children that can take you back millions of years in time. Welcome to Le Pietre del Drago Dinosaur Park, a themed area that blends scientific discovery, outdoor fun, and adventure — perfect for spending a day unlike any other, immersed in a prehistoric world.

The park covers 10,000 square meters, where 16 life-sized dinosaur models have been placed in settings that recreate their original habitats. The attention to detail is so impressive that you could almost imagine them coming to life — an extraordinary experience for children and equally fascinating for adults.

As you walk along the park’s trails, the visit becomes an educational and engaging experience, ideal for schools and families alike. Along the way, visitors encounter species such as the Velociraptor, Oviraptor, and Triceratops; dinosaur enthusiasts will also recognize Tethyshadros, Albertosaurus, Ankylosaurus, and Dimetrodon. Each model is accompanied by informative panels describing its characteristics, the geological period it belongs to, and fun curiosities about its life and behavior.

Practical Information

The park is open daily from 9:00 a.m. until sunset. Admission costs €5, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages, with wide open spaces and facilities designed especially for families.

More Than Just a Park

The dinosaur exhibition is part of a larger complex, the Parco della Niegola, which covers 50,000 square meters and provides a variety of services to make your day even more enjoyable. Among the most appreciated are the picnic area, a bar, a fossil shop, and a large parking area (also suitable for campers).

Just a few minutes away is the Fossil Museum, home to valuable scientific specimens. A combined visit allows guests to deepen what they’ve learned among the dinosaurs and enjoy an itinerary that unites nature, history, and entertainment.

Outdoor Relaxation and Togetherness

Next to the park, visitors can enjoy a spacious green area with gazebos, tables, and chairs, ideal for organizing a picnic or outdoor lunch. It’s even possible to light a barbecue, turning the day into not just an educational experience but also a convivial one — filled with relaxation, nature, and good food.

Whether you’re a dinosaur enthusiast, a parent seeking a special adventure for your kids, or simply curious, Le Pietre del Drago is an unmissable stop in the Marche region — a place where imagination brings the prehistoric past vividly back to life.

Cover photo credits: Museionline