Gonfolina, Rock formation near Arno River in Lastra a Signa, Italy
Gonfolina is a sandstone ridge that narrows the Arno River into a tight passage, creating a distinct landmark where the valley shifts direction. The formation separates the Middle Valdarno from the Lower Valdarno and sits where the Ombrone stream joins the river.
This natural ridge once served as a dam during ancient times, creating lakes upstream in the Arno Valley. Leonardo da Vinci examined the formation and recorded observations about how such geological barriers shaped the river's past.
Stone quarries at this site supplied building materials to distant regions for centuries, with the river serving as a natural transport route. Local workers shaped the landscape through generations of extraction, leaving their mark on the valley.
The site is easily reached from State Road 67 and offers clear views from the roadside as you drive through the valley. Nearby paths and pull-offs allow visitors to stop and examine the formation up close without requiring special arrangements.
The name connects to ancient Greek words describing a gulf or hook, reflecting how the rock curves into the river. Local folklore knows the formation as the 'Rock of the Fairies' due to its unusual shape that captures the imagination.
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