1905
MINING HISTORY
Before Messel and its pit became famous as a fossil deposit, the focus was on oil shale. The rock surrounding the fossils has been systematically mined and industrially processed here since the end of the 19th century.
1948
TEchnological innovation
Excavators, chain conveyors, and retort furnaces shaped industrial oil shale mining in Messel and made the mine an important production site.
At the same time, the massive intervention in the landscape created the conditions for the discovery and scientific study of the exceptionally well-preserved fossils.
1976
Landfill site & citizens' initiative
In the 1970s, there were plans to turn the Messel pit into a landfill site. Determined protests by a citizens’ initiative prevented this from happening and preserved the pit.
1995
UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 1995, the Messel Pit was designated Germany’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The certificate recognizes the exceptional scientific significance of the fossil finds and the successful efforts to preserve this unique site.
Welterbe Grube Messel GGmbH
Rossdörfer Str. 108
64409 Messel
Mail: service@welterbe-grube-messel.de
Phone: +49 (0) 6159 71759 – 0