Geologically, the pilone is the result of millenary sea action on the Gargano limestone cliffs. Wave motion isolated this rock portion, creating a natural monolith that today represents one of the most fascinating symbols of the Vieste coast.

According to oral tradition, long ago a hermit — perhaps a Benedictine monk — withdrew to this stretch of coast to lead a solitary life of prayer. Legend says that the man built a small hut in a cave near the sea. Every day he went onto the rock to meditate and pray facing the horizon.
It is said that upon his death, the sea suddenly calmed, and that his figure remained sculpted in the stone as an eternal sign of his faith and detachment from the earthly world.

Si dice che, alla sua morte, il mare si fece improvvisamente calmo, e che la sua figura sarebbe rimasta scolpita nella pietra, come segno eterno della sua fede e del suo distacco dal mondo terreno.

The Gargano, through the centuries, has hosted various religious orders, including the Benedictines and Franciscans, and is known for its hidden hermitages and rock sanctuaries. The legend of the Pilone del Monaco fits perfectly into this spiritual setting, where nature and religion blend in an almost mystical way.
The name itself carries symbolic meaning: “monaco” evokes solitude, asceticism, and direct contact with God through nature. In fact, the entire Gargano promontory is dotted with Christian symbols, pilgrimages, and miracle stories.
It is said that upon his death, the sea became calm, and that his figure remained carved into the stone, as an eternal sign of his faith and renunciation of the earthly world.

Today, Pilone del Monaco is a popular destination for kayak and boat excursions, and a favorite photo spot for those traveling along the coastal road.
It is also part of the protected landscape of the Gargano National Park, which safeguards both natural and historical treasures.