Sasso di San Zanobi, Ophiolite rock formation in Firenzuola, Italy.
The Sasso di San Zanobi is an ophiolite rock formation in the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines, rising between the Santerno and Diaterna valleys. The rock displays distinctive green and purple coloring that marks its origin in ancient oceanic crust, revealing the geological story of this mountain region.
A medieval church dedicated to Saint Zenobius once stood near the rock formation and appears in written records from 1299. This early documentation shows how the site was already woven into the area's religious and local story by the Middle Ages.
The rock carries the name of Saint Zenobius, a saint honored in local religious tradition that has deep roots in this community. Visitors walking around the formation can sense how this spiritual connection has shaped the place's identity over many generations.
The rock can be reached by hiking trails that wind through the surrounding valleys with viewpoints for geology and nature. Wear sturdy footwear since the paths can be uneven, and the best views of the formation appear from different elevations along the routes.
The rock appeared in a 1990 film, though with a geographical error that placed it in a completely different region. This mistake has become a minor curiosity for film enthusiasts who visit the actual location.
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