The stone is known among the elders of the area by this name, the “Sasso dell’Olio”, although no one remembers exactly why. Still, the basin at the top clearly suggests that it once held oil, likely for ritual or practical use.
The best way to visit these places is through a day-long hike, allowing time to fully immerse yourself in the landscape. The area is rich in local folklore, with many legends still surviving. The names of saints often seem to echo ancient deities or local spirits, and stories abound of fairies and devils said to inhabit the deep gullies (calanchi) and the numerous springs scattered across the valleys.
Many place names, of hills, streams, and villages, are of Celtic or pre-Christian origin, further deepening the sense of a land shaped by layers of spiritual and cultural history.
Below are additional images from the hike, along with a selection of useful links and notes for those interested in exploring further.