The Nautilus Geological Interpretation Center, located in the picturesque coastal town of Mutriku, is a small museum renowned for its collection of marine fossils found in the black flysch of Mutriku.

The museum is housed in a restored building that blends seamlessly with Mutriku’s maritime charm. Its exhibits focus on the treasures unearthed from the black flysch, the oldest flysch of the UNESCO-designated Basque Coast Geopark. The black flysch is a layered rock formation created by sedimentary deposits over 100 million years ago.

Among the highlights of the Museo Nautilus are its extraordinary fossil specimens, including ammonites, belemnites, and fossilized plants. These fossils provide a vivid glimpse into the marine ecosystems that existed long before the advent of humans. Interactive displays and informative panels make the exhibits accessible to visitors of all ages, offering insights into paleontology, plate tectonics, and the processes that shaped the Earth’s crust.

Most of displayed fossils are part of the private collection of the married couple Jesús M. Narvaez Amasorrain and Esperanza Azkarraga. This couple has been collecting fossils for 40 years and they have built one of the most important paleontological collections in the world.

In addition to its fossil collection, the museum also explores Mutriku’s maritime heritage, with exhibits showcasing the town’s long-standing relationship with the sea. Artifacts related to fishing, navigation, and shipbuilding reflect the cultural and economic importance of the ocean to the local community.

Visitors to the Museo Nautilus can complement their experience with a guided tour of the black flysch cliffs, accessible via boat trips or coastal walks.

More information: https://www.mutriku.eus/en/tourism/what-to-do/nautilus-museoa