マルターノの天然記念物・トップ18

One of the two dolmens of Melendugno: the Dolmen Placa

The grooves present on the Dolmen Placa and the small hole at the center of the covering slab of the Dolmen Gurgulante (located a few meters in the direction of Melendugno), immediately make one think of a place dedicated to ritual sacrifices, rather than a burial place as has often been hypothesized.

The Menhir of Montevergine is yet another example of how pagan elements have managed to mix over the centuries within Christianized places. The monolith, which in the past reached 2 meters or more in height, is in fact located close to the sanctuary of the Madonna di Montevergine, in the exact point where an underground river would flow. The apparition of the Blessed Virgin, which occurred in 1595, created an aura of sacredness and mystery around this place, which is still capable of enchanting many visitors today. By @Sandro (ancient_salento)

Inserted in the collection https://www.komoot.com/it-it/collection/2431081/-pietre-del-salento - An integral part of the Sanctuary, it is well enhanced by the context and visible without problems. Let's not forget that menhirs are archaic elements that must be observed without touching them. They are the history and heritage of Salento.

The name of the Menhir derives from the griko and means "Big Cross". In 1880 Cosimo De Giorgi described it with larger dimensions than its current one. It was demolished several times due to an ancient legend linked to a treasure hidden at the foot of the monolith.

The Menhir was discovered by Oreste Caroppo in 1993. The monolith is distinguished from other Menhirs by two quite evident characteristics, its bicuspid top and a square cavity on one of the main facades. Height: 1.25 meters

Inserted in the collection https://www.komoot.com/it-it/collection/2431081/-pietre-del-salento - Located in the center of a non-accessible private farm, it is still visible from afar from the edge of the road. It's fragile, better not to touch it and enjoy it from afar.

Inserted in the collection https://www.komoot.com/it-it/collection/2431081/-pietre-del-salento - Located in the middle of the intersection, it is easily visible and accessible by bike.