Campana, Cosenza: Home of the Stone Giants

The Stone Giants of Campana are two large mysterious megaliths (stones) located in the heart of Calabria’s beautiful Sila mountains. They can be found in Sila Grande in an area called Incavallicata, which is part of the town of Campana.

From Cosenza, it’s a relaxing scenic drive through the mountains towards the eastern part of the province of Cosenza. I love driving through the Sila mountains because it reminds me so much of Ontario. Making our way along winding roads through lush forests and tiny villages, we pulled over to enjoy a majestic view Lake Cecita. It was so peaceful, a big contrast to the constant buzz you hear in the city.

Lake Cecita Sila

It’s a pretty easy route. However, if you are depending on Google Maps, it’s a good idea to download the offline map. Some areas in the mountains have little to no internet signal. As you get closer, you begin to see signs that keep you going in the right direction.

There is a small road that veers off Via Sila (SS108ter) with a small sign. Turn onto that road and there is a small area to park your car.

In the not so far distance, you’ll be able to see the Pietre dell’ Incavallicata.

The Stone Giants of Campana

There are two large stone figures – the first, and most obvious is an elephant while the second is a soldier. The soldier is a bit harder to make out because it is believed to be only the lower half of the soldier’s body.

Campana

What makes these rock formations so interesting, is the fact that no one knows for sure how exactly they got there! Some say the formations are natural. But others think it was the work of an ancient prehistoric civilization. Below the large megaliths are caves in varying sizes, which resemble dwellings commonly created by prehistoric man.

Campana

Some experts say that the elephant stone, which measures at 5.80 metres high, shows characteristics of an Elephas Antiquus (straight-tusked elephant). This is interesting because in September 2017 fossils of that species of elephant were found on the southern shore of Lake Cecita.

Regardless of their origins, these rock formations are impressive!

As we made my way along the rocky path towards these gigantic stone “statues”, I was mesmerized by the elephant. Those who know me, know that elephants are one of my favourite animals.

We walked around them several times, admiring them from every angle. The sun brought out some details while hid others.

Campana

We struggled to make out the solider. But then we made out what looked like two legs. Perhaps he was standing in front of the elephant. It’s hard to know for sure since the top half has been lost to time.

Campana

After an hour or so of admiring these impressive and unique works of art and taking in the incredible views around us, we decided to check out Campana as well.

Campana, Cosenza

Campana is a small and quiet hamlet in the province of Cosenza. It sits in the hills of Pre-Sila about 600 metres above sea level.

We parked the car in the main square of the historic centre in front of the Chiesa di Maria SS. di Constantinopoli. This church was built in ‘600 and has an interesting stone façade.

Campana

On the opposite end of the square is this clock tower.

To the left is a narrow street that led us to the oldest part of the town and to the Chiesa Matrice. We followed the path through the archway below the bell tower.

What we found on the other side was very unexpected.

A town completely abandoned.

Collapsed houses that had been overtaken by nature. It seems the town had been forced to move inland as a result of natural causes.

As I’ve mentioned in my post about Cirella Vecchia, I’m fascinated by abandoned towns. So, this was a pleasant surprise.

There wasn’t a lot to see in Campana, but we were already in the area, so it was easy enough to pop in and explore.

Have you ever seen interesting rock formations on your travels? I’d love you to share your experience with me in the comments below.

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LuLu

Originally from Toronto but currently living in Calabria, blogging about my life and love for all things Italian!

Luna S
January 28, 2020 at 2:02 pm

This looks like a beautiful travel spot, I always love exploring areas like this to see beautiful things nature has made and old buildings. Thanks for sharing this with us. I hadn’t heard of this area prior to this post.
Alexandra
January 27, 2020 at 11:06 pm

This was really interesting and beautiful! I can make out the elephant in the one rock sculpture but it is hard to see a soldier – even just the lower half – in the other one. I find it odd that it is only the bottom half because that would make the soldier much taller than the elephant.

Also good advice about downloading the offline version of google maps. Otherwise travelers could find themselves quite lost!
1. LuLu
  January 28, 2020 at 9:09 am
  
  The Stone Giants are definitely interesting. I was looking at them for a while trying to figure it out, and it’s true, the elephant you can see pretty clearly but the soldier is not as obvious. Thanks for your comment! 🙂
Sonia Seivwright
January 26, 2020 at 9:46 pm

The stone giants are really Giants and beautiful. I would love to visit. I will definitely look out for them when I finally make it to Italy.
Britt
January 26, 2020 at 7:07 pm

Oh wow, the views are absolutely incredible. You pictures are stunning. I had never heard of Campana, Cosenza before, so I can honestly say that I had no plans to ever visit however in looking at this, I am going to have to add it to the must visit list! The stone giants look like the kind of thing that you have to see first hand.
1. LuLu
  January 28, 2020 at 9:04 am
  
  I totally agree, Britt! The stone giants are intriguing in photos but when you see them up front and in real life, it’s a whole other experience. Glad I could introduce you to this incredible region of Southern Italy! 🙂
Lyosha
January 26, 2020 at 6:58 pm

so beautiful and… exotic! Definitely a big wow! I would love to see it one day too!
Smita
January 26, 2020 at 6:02 pm

What a fascinating place! Those stone giants are incredible – so unreal that they are natural formations! I love exploring off-beat places like these – adding it to my list.
Subhashish Roy
January 26, 2020 at 5:40 pm

I am getting to know more about Calabria through your posts and find it such an amazing place that I was never aware of. The rock formations are such a masterpiece and nature has really so much for us to see and experience.
1. LuLu
  January 28, 2020 at 9:00 am
  
  I’m so pleased that you are learning more about this lesser-known region of Italy! Calabria is very often overlooked but has so much to offer visitors, especially those who like to go off the beaten path! 🙂
Dreams Abroad
January 26, 2020 at 1:48 am

I have never heard of Campana, Cosenza and these rocks look very nice. I will be planning a trip there soon. I view and old churches are very cool!
Megan Kerry
January 25, 2020 at 4:49 pm

Oh my God! The stone giants are so beautiful! I didn’t know about these natural wonders before reading your post! I hope I can go and see them for myself one day. The photo you took with them at the end of that long winding path was so stunning!
1. LuLu
  January 26, 2020 at 9:22 am
  
  They really are! And you know what, after discovering them I’ve actually heard of other unusual stone formations in other parts of Calabria! I’m going to have to visit them too! I’m glad you enjoyed the post and pictures!
Scott DeNicola
January 25, 2020 at 12:53 pm

The Stone Giants of Campana, Cosenza are magnificent. It amazes me to see natural beauty like this and no idea how they got there. Campana is a beautiful throwback little town. The stories that must have been told on those streets. Love the little church and clock tower. You are lucky to be where you are surrounded by all that history.
1. LuLu
  January 26, 2020 at 9:21 am
  
  They are unreal! I wasn’t sure what to expect when we went, I had only seen pictures. But then as you approach them and see just how big they are, it’s incredible! Plus the views from there are spectacular! It was definitely worth the drive! Campana was an added bonus, the fact that the old town is literally completely abandoned with the “newer” town right next to it, is strange and intriguing!
Kelly Martin
January 25, 2020 at 8:46 am

I really like stone formations as well. It’s always a mystery as to how they got there. This would be a great area to explore.
1. LuLu
  January 26, 2020 at 9:18 am
  
  Everyone has there own opinion, which is what makes it so interesting! 🙂 I hope to explore more of this part of Calabria soon!
Sarah Emery
January 25, 2020 at 5:00 am

Wow, what a beautiful location and experience. The abandoned town would have been a highlight for me as well. I love the narrow walkways and staircases. It looks so enchanting. This is a must add to my bucket list. Thanks for the travel tips on how to get there and what to do. Great post!
1. LuLu
  January 26, 2020 at 9:17 am
  
  Thanks so much! I really enjoy exploring old abandoned towns and imagining what they were like once upon a time! 🙂
Lene Andersen
January 25, 2020 at 1:20 am

There is just something about Europe and the history that is part of every moment that I love. Growing up in Denmark, I’m so used to buildings and statues and monuments being really old that once I moved to Toronto (hello from a fellow Canadian!) everything seemed so new. I very much enjoy one of those trips into the past and you have some great photos here. Sounds like a wonderful day.
1. LuLu
  January 26, 2020 at 9:15 am
  
  I had the same experience only in reverse! HaHa I went from modern Toronto (hello right back at ya!) to this medium-size ancient town. And even though I’ve lived here for a while now, it still blows my mind how much history there is here! I hope that feeling never leaves me! Thanks so much for your comment! 🙂
jerry godinho
January 24, 2020 at 5:55 pm

Calabria is beautiful. Man, that lake view is amazing. I love your detailed writing and the fab pics. My view on Calabria has changed completely. I did not realize how mountainous it is. An amazing piece.
1. LuLu
  January 25, 2020 at 9:29 am
  
  Thanks so much, Jerry! It’s true, Calabria is most famous for its beaches but it’s actually got some really amazing natural parks! I’m planning to write more about the mountains regions and towns in the upcoming year! 🙂
Despite Pain
January 24, 2020 at 5:33 pm

Those are pretty extraordinary rock formations. I wonder how they came to be that.
I really love this post. Campana looks so beautiful and definitely a place I’d like to visit. That church and bell tower are gorgeous.
1. LuLu
  January 25, 2020 at 9:27 am
  
  I totally agree! We walked around and stared at these formations for a really long time. It’s really hard to say if they were man-made or not! They are really big, so if they were the work of man, that’s pretty impressive!
Kristie Prada
November 12, 2019 at 11:09 am

Wow Lulu, I would love to see these! Especially the abandoned town. I find this so interesting, who lived there, why they left. So much to consider. The church buildings and clock tower are beautiful as well. A much earlier style of architecture. Thank you as usual for showing us something so different! I hope we keep in touch after DVB. Take care xx
Kelly
November 7, 2019 at 5:58 am

This looks exactly like the type of sightseeing I am interested in these days – nature and small towns (even abandoned ones!). These are some interesting rock formations! It looks like a place that I would love to bring my dad since he studied geology. Thanks for joining us for DVB Lulu, and I look forward learning more about Calabria through your eyes! (And of course visiting someday)!
Jasmine
November 4, 2019 at 10:40 am

I hadn’t heard of these before your post LuLu, but I’m intrigued. I love how you always post about new things to see. Also, those first few pictures look JUST LIKE ONTARIO. You wouldn’t even know they were taken in Italy. I have to say a thank you for being part of this linkup over these past two years, it’s been so lovely to connect with you and I hope the whole community will stay together beyond the ending of the linkup. Love always, Jasmine of Questa Dolce Vita.
Un po' di pepe
October 27, 2019 at 6:04 pm

i was relieved to see a ‘campana’ in Campana! i love abandoned towns too-they are so interesting, especially when there are caves involved. i do need to get to Calabria. it is one of the 6 Italian regions i have not been too yet. Vieste has a huge monolithic stone on the beach, called Pizzomunno, along with a legend to go with it. There was a song about it at the 2018 San Remo festival. It is interesting about this one that they can’t tell for sure if it is natural or manmade. Ciao, Cristina
1. LuLu
  October 29, 2019 at 11:08 am
  
  HAHAHAHA Yes, there was a campana in Campana, thankfully! 😛 When you do get around to planning a trip here, let me know. I’ll give you some suggestions and we can hang out! 🙂 A presto, cara!
Image Earth Travel
October 27, 2019 at 3:30 pm

I’m yet to see this natural piece of art – love the shapes.
We’re lucky to be living in Calabria. 😉
1. LuLu
  October 27, 2019 at 5:52 pm
  
  Thanks for commenting! 🙂 Yes, we are definitely lucky!
KareninCalabria
October 24, 2019 at 6:33 am

I’ve yet to see these stone giants, which seem to be gaining popularity on social media. Good to know that they aren’t far off the road. I had thought that a bit of hiking was involved. To me, these rocks look like nature helped out by man, but I’m curious to see them in person.
1. LuLu
  October 25, 2019 at 10:34 am
  
  Not much hiking at all, you park the car and it’s literally “due passi” 🙂 The only downfall is that you need a car to get there.
Tamara - Travelling Tam
October 18, 2019 at 5:47 am

Wow these look pretty cool. Sometimes the best works of art come straight from nature. I also find our take on things like this as human beings with various myths and different beliefs as to how they were formed, super fascinating! Thanks for posting!
– Tamara | http://www.travellingtam.com
1. LuLu
  October 25, 2019 at 10:33 am
  
  Thanks for stopping in Tamara! I love discovering the stories and myths behind these interesting and unique places!
Krizzia Scollon
October 18, 2019 at 3:34 am

Such an amazing view! I wish I can go here someday, I would love to experience it!
Madi Rowan
October 17, 2019 at 3:47 pm

Ahh there’s so many amazing places to see! Those rock formations are so interesting!

-Madi xo | http://www.everydaywithmadirae.com
Kasey
October 17, 2019 at 3:18 pm

I’ve definitely heard of the stone giants in Campana! What a cool experience you had! I would love to go one day!
Kasey Ma
http://www.TheStyleWright.com
Email: team@thestylewright.com
Christine
October 17, 2019 at 2:47 pm

Love this post! I never knew about these stones; they sound amazing! My family is from this region, so I’ll have to share this with them. Thanks for the info!!
1. LuLu
  October 17, 2019 at 5:37 pm
  
  I didn’t know about them either until I came across a picture on Instagram! Social media is great for discovering new things! 🙂
janna
October 17, 2019 at 2:01 pm

I”ve been all over Italy on many trips but never to Calabria- I’ll have to include it for my next visit. Looks so picturesque!
1. LuLu
  October 17, 2019 at 5:36 pm
  
  It’s not as well-known as other parts of Italy and it often gets overlooked, which is such a shame. If you decided to come and need some tips, let me know! 🙂
Ian
October 15, 2019 at 10:31 am

Another tempting area of Calabria to wander thru’! Just finished a train journey (Bari/ Taranto/ Sibari/ Cosenza/ Regio) to reach Sicily where home is. Really liked Cosenza and will definitely divert thru‘ the region again en route home.

The stones you describe are interesting. I stand to be corrected but similar tock formation are found across the World where the lower, softer, rock has eroded leaving a remnant of the harder covering rock – often, as in this case, in an interesting shape. Dartmoor, Devon, UK has a number of Tors which were formed in this way.

Look forward to your next wander!
1. LuLu
  October 17, 2019 at 9:38 am
  
  Thanks for your comment, Ian! Calabria is a region that is often “passed through” and it’s really a shame because there are so many people things to see and discover here. Did you also stop into Sibari and Reggio to visit them? Where do you live in Sicily?