Samone
The Finger of Samone: the curious geological formation of the Modenese Apennines
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about the Finger of Samone, a curious geological formation located in the municipality of Guiglia, in the province of Modena. If you are nature and hiking lovers, this place could certainly interest you!
Description
The Finger of Samone is an isolated geosite hidden in the woods, but easily accessible from the provincial road that leads from Zocca to the Samone Bridge. It is a strange cylindrical rock formation about 5 meters high, made of sandstone, rising from a globular basal mass. Despite the (modest) name given by official toponymy, it is known that the shape of the Finger of Samone resembles that of a male genital organ. However, even if you might have some naughty thoughts about it "especially considering you have the right vibes, it's as if the Finger is smiling in its particular shape", it is still a place that deserves to be visited.
The geological formation
The Finger of Samone is located within the Regional Park of the Sassi di Roccamalatina and is one of the most curious geosites in the Modenese Apennines. Analogous to the nearby Sassi di Roccamalatina, the Finger of Samone constitutes a characteristic form of selective erosion, controlled by the fracturing of the rock mass and the higher degree of cementation of the rock compared to the surrounding one. The quartz-feldspar sandstones that make it up belong to the Anconella Sandstones Member, of upper Oligocene age, and belong to the epiligurian succession.
Origin of the name
As anticipated, the Finger of Samone takes its name from the Guiglia hamlet where it is located. However, the origin of the name "Samone" is still uncertain: some hypothesize that it comes from Latin "Samonus", the name of an ancient people who inhabited the area, while others think that it derives from "sambucus", the elderberry, a shrub present in large quantities in the region.
Hypotheses on the origin of the Finger of Samone
Although the scientific explanation for the origin of the Finger of Samone is quite simple, some scholars hypothesize that its shape has been modeled by humans over time, given the easy erodibility of the rock. However, this is only an unprovable hypothesis, and therefore it is possible that the Finger of Samone is a genuine lusus naturae.
Conclusions
In any case, if you are in the Guiglia area, you cannot miss a visit to the Finger of Samone! Since it is isolated in the woods, it is not easy to reach, but the suggestive view it offers will certainly repay you for the effort. And above all, do not forget to take a souvenir photo to show your friends!
