Abstract: An apparatus for unpiling containers includes a bearing structure, gripping members associable with at least one pile of containers for unpiling the containers, first actuating means acting between the bearing structure and the gripping members to move the gripping members from the picking-up station to the laying station and vice versa, and second actuating means acting on the gripping members to move the members away from and close to the picking-up and laying stations. The first actuating means includes a carousel mechanism rotatable about a first axis to transfer each gripping member between the picking-up station and the laying station. The second actuating means is adapted to move each gripping member between a first position corresponding to a maximum distance of the gripping member from the first axis and a second position corresponding to a minimum distance of the gripping member from the first axis.