Blasi archaeological sites: a journey to the prehistoric past of Ribagorza
Near Arén , a town located in the easternmost part of the region, lies one of the most fascinating sites for paleontology and archaeology enthusiasts in Ribagorza : the Blasi fossil sites . This interpretive trail allows visitors to immerse themselves in the area's distant past, when dinosaurs still roamed these lands.
The visit begins at the Dinosaur Museum in Arén , where a marked trail starts along the L'Aiguafreda ravine , winding through oak and holm oak forests. Along the way, clearly marked with arrows and explanatory panels, there are up to 12 themed stops . At these stops, visitors can learn in depth about the flora and fauna of the period , the geological formations of the area—primarily the Arén Sandstone and Tremp Clay formations —as well as key information about the evolution of the landscape.
The highlight of the route is at the Blasi fossil site itself , where original dinosaur fossils were discovered. Exact replicas of the bones have been installed in the exact locations where they were found, offering a unique and immersive experience. Informative panels and visual recreations allow visitors to understand how the dinosaurs that inhabited what is now Ribagorza lived more than 65 million years ago.
These fossils in Ribagorza have allowed for the identification of new species and established Arén as an international benchmark for archaeological tourism . The complete round-trip route can take between two and five hours, so it is recommended to set aside a morning or afternoon to explore it at a leisurely pace. In summer, it is advisable to avoid the hottest hours and wear appropriate footwear, as the trail runs through rocky and uneven terrain.
