멜피냐노‬에서 가장 멋진 ‪20‬개의 천연기념물

A must-see. A magical place.

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.

"A golden hen and seven chicks also all made of gold are the prize for those who manage, without hesitation, to follow up on the old woman's riddles. That old woman who lives there and appears in the presence of those who dare, close of the longest days of the year, wandering around its boulders" Archaic place of great charm. Legends make these megaliths come alive. Unfortunately the olive grove that surrounded it has been lost due to the well-known xylella but it is hoped that it will be redeveloped in some way because it deserves to be valorised.