Explore the mystical Faraglioni of Lipari, where ancient legends and unique biodiversity blend amidst dramatic volcanic formations. Discover the story of ‘l’omu ‘ntrunato’, the man turned to stone, and the rare Eolian cornflower thriving on these majestic spires.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARCO CRUPI

Faraglioni of Lipari.

The majestic and isolated Faraglioni of Lipari have an ancient and fascinating geological history. Pietra Lunga and Pietra Menalda, rising from the waters like the island’s two guardians, are the remnants of ancient volcanic structures. Once active volcanoes, these rock formations have been shaped over millennia by erosion, which wore away their outer layers, leaving only the more weather-resistant columns of solidified magma visible. This type of structure is known as a “neck” or “volcanic spine“.

Pietra Lunga, soaring to an impressive height of 80 meters (approximately 262 feet), is known locally as “l’omu ‘ntrunato” (the thunderstruck man). This formation is shrouded in legend, which imbues it with a mysterious and almost sacred dimension. The tale recounts a man who, defying the sanctity of Good Friday, continued his labors despite religious prohibitions. His impiety came at a steep price: he was struck by divine wrath and turned to stone, serving as a solemn warning to others.

Pietra Menalda, although smaller, stands boldly at 20 meters (approximately 66 feet). It is a key spot for diving enthusiasts, offering a captivating underwater trail that varies from 18 to 40 meters deep. The seabed around Pietra Menalda is scattered with large boulders that provide a habitat for a diverse range of marine life including octopuses, moray eels, groupers, and greater weever fish. These features not only add to the island’s dramatic landscape but also serve as a sanctuary for unique marine and plant species, such as the Eolian cornflower, which thrives on its steep surfaces​.

A long-standing literary tradition identifies the Faraglioni of Lipari as the legendary Wandering Rocks of the Odyssey.

“High towering on the right, huge cliffs, where ceaselessly the dark sea’s breakers crash and foam, the Wanderer’s Crag, which not even winged things can pass: no, not even the timorous doves that bring ambrosia to Father Zeus. The sheer rock always takes one, and the Father sends another to keep the number up. From there no ship of men ever escapes that comes that way, but the planks of ships and bodies of men are whirled by the waves of the sea and storms of deadly fire.” – (Odyssey, Book XII, vv. 59-70)

Together, these towering rocks not only define the landscape of Lipari but also harbor sanctuaries of biodiversity, symbolizing the island’s wild nature and its enduring myths. Advanced scuba divers particularly treasure Pietra Menalda for its deep waters and rich marine biodiversity, which includes nudibranchs, moray eels, octopi, and scorpionfish​.

Faraglioni of Lipari from the Quattrocchi Viewpoint, with Vulcano from the corresponding island in the background.