Umbria displays largest shell collection in Europe

Perugia - Citta' di Castello is not on the coast, and yet it is displaying "Malakos" - the largest private shell collection in Europe, with more than 600,00 classified samples. The museum is the brainchild of Gianluigi Bini from Florence, a biologist by profession, who spent decades collecting and studying nearly 15,000 species from all over the world, from the North Pole to the Adriatic Sea.

Mayor Luciano Bacchetta said before the opening of the museum: "We are proud to add yet another attraction to the cultural life of our city thanks to a scholar who has become a citizen of Citta' di Castello, where he found a home for his incredible natural heritage collection." Michele Bettarelli, deputy mayor and Culture Councillor of the Municipality of Citta' di Castello, said: "Today more than ever, in a world apparently dominated by technology, we need to know and find inspiration in nature. 'Malakos' is a great asset and a quality element for our city museums, capable of captivating the interest of scientists and also appealing to the public. It is an impressive and rich collection which has been carefully laid out. It will become a must for those who are interested in marine biodiversity."

The Malakos Museum will also be available on Google Culture, thanks to the Parlamentarian Anna Ascani who backed the project. She said: "Citta di Castello has many attractions. One in particular has been made possible by the generosity of Gianluigi Bini, whom I wish to thank together with his team. He has put together more than 600,00 shells. I thought it was necessary for me to create a link between this small and yet big museum, with a world giant such as Google Culture. I am proud to be among the promoters of such an asset for my town. It will be the result of my work as a parlamentarian. One day, looking back on it, I will be able to say that I also gave my contribution to make this beautiful project come true."