In the wild heart of the Aspromonte mountains, not far from Roghudi Vecchio, stands one of the most evocative and mysterious rock formations of the Grecanic Calabria: the Rocca del Drago, locally known as "Rocca tu Dracu". This impressive natural monolith has a trapezoidal shape and appears as though it were sculpted by nature itself to resemble a mythological dragon.
What makes this rock particularly striking is the presence of two circular cavities that resemble the eyes of a giant reptile. Its slightly inclined position and the interplay of light and shadow give it an almost surreal appearance, as if the creature were resting in silence, ready to awaken. The rock rests naturally on a base in such a way that it seems precariously balanced, almost suspended in midair.
According to oral tradition, a blind dragon was said to live beneath the rock, guarding an ancient treasure. Legend has it that the dragon fed on the milk that flowed from nearby stone cavities or perhaps directly from the rock itself — a link that ties it to the nearby formation known as the “Caldaie del Latte” (Milk Cauldrons). To obtain the treasure, it was said that a dark ritual had to be performed, involving the sacrifice of a goat, a black cat, and even a newborn child. Though unsettling, such tales form part of the rich mythological fabric that still lives on among the Grecanic communities.
The Rocca del Drago is not just a geological wonder, but also a powerful symbol of the popular imagination of the Aspromonte, blending the raw beauty of the natural landscape with the mystical depth of ancient rural beliefs and oral storytelling.