Naturalistic Archeological Museum of the Pistoia Apennines (MuNAP)

Having opened its doors for the first time in June 2018 in Palazzo Achilli – its new seat – in Gavinana (PT), the museum is a part of the Nature trail of the Ecomuseo della Montagna Pistoiese and is home to many naturalistic and archaeological finds, thanks to research carried out over the years by the Naturalistic Group of the Pistoia Mountains (GNAP).

The exhibition, divided into thematic sections, takes you on a journey through the past by means of numerous finds which illustrate the natural history of the area. The museum offers you the opportunity of discovering prehistoric tools, minerals, rocks, birds, insects, and mammals, one of which, the Apennine Wolf (Canis lupus italicus), found dead in the area, will surely catch your attention.

The collection of flora fossils coming from the Pisa Mountains, dating back to the Upper Carboniferous era – in other words, more than 300 million years ago – is of special interest and is also one of the most important in Italy; as is the skelton of a cave bear (Ursus spelaeus), found inside the ‘Grotta dei Porci’ in the Val di Lima valley that goes back to the end of the last glaciation period (Würm), which is now on show here in a fascinating prehistoric setting. Of considerable importance is also the collection of stone tools dating back to the end of the Upper Paleolithic era (12.000 – 10.000 years ago) which act as proof of the first presence of man in the Pistoia Apennines.

The museum also offers guided visits, led by the Naturalistic Group which carries out research and which spreads pertinent information about the characteristics of the Pistoia area.

Ecomuseo della Montagna Pistoiese