OPHIS: A Journey Through Time Among Fossils and Reptiles

In the heart of Teramo lies a fascinating and unexpected place that unites two seemingly distant worlds: the Paleontological Museum and Herpetological Center OPHIS. This one-of-a-kind museum offers visitors an extraordinary opportunity to travel back in time — exploring the evolution of life on Earth — while also discovering the captivating world of reptiles and amphibians, species that have inhabited the planet for millions of years.

The name OPHIS, derived from the Greek óphis (meaning snake), highlights the importance of the museum’s herpetology section, dedicated to the scientific study of reptiles and amphibians. The center hosts an impressive collection of living species, including snakes, lizards, and turtles from various parts of the world. Each habitat has been carefully recreated to mirror the animals’ natural environments, allowing visitors to observe them up close and learn more about their behavior — helping to dispel myths and misconceptions often associated with these creatures.

Alongside the live exhibits, the museum also boasts a rich paleontological section. Here, visitors can admire fossils of dinosaurs, ammonites, trilobites, and many other specimens that illustrate the geological and biological transformations of our planet. The exhibition unfolds as a journey through time, from the earliest geological eras to the great mass extinctions and the appearance of the first hominids. Of particular interest is the collection of fossils from the Abruzzo region, which showcases the area’s biodiversity in prehistoric times.

But OPHIS is more than a museum — it is also a research and educational center. It hosts conferences, workshops for schools, and outreach activities designed to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation and the protection of endangered species. Its mission is to educate and inspire, revealing both the beauty and fragility of nature, and encouraging visitors to reflect on humanity’s role within Earth’s vast ecosystem.

Visitor Information

• Address: Via Vittorio Veneto, 19, 64100 Teramo (TE)
• Opening Hours:
  • Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Monday–Saturday: closed
  • Visitors are advised to contact the museum for any schedule updates.
• Tickets: prices are not listed online — please call or email for accurate information.
• Contacts:
  • Phone: +39 389 602 8306
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Website: www.ophis.it

Visiting OPHIS means immersing yourself in a journey through evolution and life, where fossils and living creatures coexist to tell the incredible story of our planet — a story that continues to evolve with every discovery.

Cover photo credits: OPHIS – Museo Paleontologico e Centro Erpetologico