The Moving Stones of Valgiurata
In the heart of the world’s oldest republic, amidst the rolling hills and stunning landscapes of San Marino, lies a place of profound historical and mystical significance: the Valgiurata. More a legend than a specific, signposted location, the Valgiurata (literally, ”The Vowed Valley”) is a field of mysterious stones that has, for centuries, been a source of a powerful local omen. According to a long-held tradition, these stones would mysteriously change position, foretelling either a period of peace and prosperity or one of war and conflict for the tiny republic.
This is not a ghost story or a tale of a specific historical event; it is a profound mystery of prophecy, a story that speaks to the very soul of San Marino and its long struggle for survival. For those captivated by ancient prophecies, the history of nation-states, and the powerful, unseen forces of folklore, the Omen of Valgiurata offers a unique and thought-provoking journey into the heart of San Marino’s enduring spirit.
A Land Forged in Peace and Prayer
The foundation of San Marino is rooted in a legend of peace. In the 4th century, a stonecutter named Marinus fled religious persecution under Roman rule and found sanctuary on the slopes of Monte Titano. He founded a small Christian community based on principles of freedom and faith. This peaceful, independent spirit has been the defining characteristic of San Marino ever since. The Valgiurata, situated just below the historic centre, is a place deeply tied to this foundational narrative.
The name ”Valgiurata” itself translates to ”The Vowed Valley,” a name that hints at its ceremonial importance. It is said to be the place where the early Sanmarinese citizens would gather to make solemn vows and important decisions. The field’s stones, believed to have been there since the time of Saint Marinus himself, were seen as silent, stony witnesses to these foundational promises, and their movement was later interpreted as a powerful sign from the heavens.
The Moving Stones and Their Ominous Message
The legend of the Valgiurata stones is simple but powerful. According to the tradition, the stones would shift and change their position on their own accord. Their movements were not random. They were a direct portent for the republic’s future.
- Peace and Prosperity: If the stones were found arranged in a neat, orderly fashion, or if their formation created a serene and balanced pattern, it was a sure sign that San Marino would enjoy a period of peace, economic stability, and good fortune. The stones were seen to be in harmony, reflecting the harmony of the state.
- War and Conflict: If the stones were found scattered, dishevelled, or piled atop one another in a chaotic formation, it was a terrifying omen of war. This unsettling arrangement foretold impending conflict, hardship, and a difficult period for the republic and its people. The chaos of the stones reflected the chaos to come.
This belief was not a simple superstition. Throughout San Marino’s history, a tiny republic surrounded by powerful, warring neighbours, the fear of invasion was a constant reality. The omen of the Valgiurata provided a way for the people to process their fears and to prepare for the future. The prophecy was taken seriously by leaders and common citizens alike.
A Recent Example: The Omen of 1944
Perhaps the most famous modern example of the Valgiurata’s power comes from the Second World War. San Marino, surrounded by fascist Italy and later occupied by German forces, had declared its neutrality. Despite this, it was heavily bombed by the Allies in 1944, a devastating event that killed dozens of civilians. The republic was plunged into chaos and fear.
According to local accounts and historical folklore, when the Sanmarinese leaders of the time visited the Valgiurata, they found the stones in a state of utter disarray, scattered and piled atop one another. The omen was clear. The stones had foretold the bombing and the period of conflict. This tragic event, and the subsequent ”confirmation” of the omen, solidified the legend in modern times. It proved that the ancient stones were still capable of speaking to the republic, a silent guardian and prophet in its darkest hour.
A Modern Mystery: The Disappearing Stones
The legend of the Valgiurata continues to fascinate. However, its story has taken a modern, more mysterious turn. While the general area of the Valgiurata is known, the specific stones themselves have reportedly become difficult to find. Some say they have been moved by construction or time. Other, more mystical, theories suggest that as the world has become more chaotic, and the omens more difficult to bear, the stones have either disappeared or their message has become harder to read.
The fact that the exact location of the ”prophecy stones” is no longer a public secret adds to the site’s allure. It becomes less of a physical location to be visited and more of a powerful idea, a testament to the enduring mystery and spiritual strength of a nation that has survived for over 1,700 years.
How to Explore the Valgiurata Legend
The Valgiurata is not a traditional tourist attraction with a signpost and an entrance fee. It is a mystery to be explored, a legend to be felt in the very air of San Marino.
- Location: The general area known as the Valgiurata is located just below the historic centre of San Marino City, on the slopes of Monte Titano. It is a large, grassy field with some scattered rocks.
- Getting There: You can reach the general area by walking from the main square of San Marino City or from the car park area at Piana di San Marino. Ask locals for directions to the ”Valgiurata,” and you will be pointed to the right area.
- Feel the Atmosphere: The best way to experience the Valgiurata is to simply walk through the field and feel the atmosphere. Stand among the scattered stones and think about the centuries of history, the prayers of the Sanmarinese people, and the weight of the prophecies that once defined their lives.
- Combine with Other Sites: The Valgiurata is on the route to the Cesta Tower, or at least in its general vicinity. You can make it part of a walking tour of the historic centre and its famed towers, which are also imbued with their own legends and histories.
- Talk to Locals: The best source for information about the Valgiurata is often the locals. Find an old tavern or a traditional restaurant and ask a local about the legend. Their stories, passed down through generations, will be far more enriching than any guidebook.
The Omen of Valgiurata is San Marino’s most profound mystery. It is a testament to the belief that a land’s history is not just made by people but also by the very stones beneath their feet. It is a place where ancient prophecy, modern history, and the enduring spirit of a nation come together, waiting for the curious to listen to its silent, powerful message.