The southern part of El Pallars Jussà (Spain), and in particular the area of La Conca Dellà, conserves an extraordinary collection of palaeontological remains that date back to the end of the Cretaceous period (between 65 and 75 million years ago). They include the remains of dinosaur bones, eggs and footprints as well as those of other animals and plants that lived at the same time. The tremendous palaeontological wealth of the area, together with its magnificent geological record, make this part of Lleida province one of the best areas in Europe in which to study the ecosystems of the end of the dinosaur era

One of the most important sites in the area is that of Basturs Poble. This is one of the most important locations in Europe for remains from the end of the Cretaceous period and so far it has been possible to recover about 500 different dinosaur and crocodile remains from the site. It is also important to mention the remains of dinosaur eggs found at Basturs and the ichnological remains (fossil footprints) of Orcau. Another interesting site near Isona is that at La Posa, where it is possible to see hundreds of different food remains left behind by rays (fish with cartilaginous skeletons that were related to modern-day sharks). These have been found in an area which at that time would have formed part of a sandy beach.

The most abundant dinosaur species that lived in El Pallars Jussà (Spain) during the final years of the Cretaceous period was the Hadrosaur. These were herbivorous dinosaurs that could walk on either two or four legs and that are also often referred to as “duck-billed dinosaurs” due to the fact that they had very wide snouts, which are reminiscent of duck bills.

Another group of herbivorous dinosaurs that lived in the Conca area were the Titanosaurs. These were gigantic quadrupeds, with long necks and exceptionally long tails, whose heads were surprisingly small in relation to the rest of their bodies.

At the end of the Cretaceous period, the Conca area was also inhabited by members of the Nodosaur species. These were herbivores dinosaurs that walked on four legs and whose bodies were completely protected by a shield of bony plates.

Amongst the carnivorous dinosaurs, or Theropods, we find both large and small creatures, although for the moment, discoveries of their remains have been very limited.

From the Conca Dellà Museum it is possible to enjoy guided visits (by previous arrangement) to the different sites. The information provided by the museum will explain to visitors where to find various sites of palaeontological interest.