The Devil’s Face of Rezzato – Unearth the Creepy Forest Carving of Lombardy

Hidden in the woods near Brescia, the Devil’s Face of Rezzato is a mysterious stone carving tied to witchcraft legends, pagan myths, and eerie local folklore. Discover this offbeat hike in Lombardy.

LOMBARDIALOCAL STORIES&CULTURE

Eerie stone carving known as the Devil’s Face (Mostasù or Diaol) covered in moss along the Sentiero
Eerie stone carving known as the Devil’s Face (Mostasù or Diaol) covered in moss along the Sentiero

What would you do if, while hiking in a quiet forest, you suddenly noticed a face staring back at you from a mossy boulder? In the hills of Rezzato, near Brescia, a strange stone carving has fueled centuries of whispers and chills: the Devil’s Face.

The Story:
Hidden along the Sentiero della Rasa trail, the rock bears a half-human, half-beast visage about 50 cm wide. Locals call it Mostasù or Diaol in dialect. Some believe it marks the site of witchcraft and satanic rituals dating back to the 18th century—especially since the numbers “1798” appear nearby, said to tie to a mysterious death. Others argue it could represent the Green Man, a pagan forest spirit symbolizing nature’s endless cycle. Whatever its origin, stumbling upon the eerie, moss-covered carving amid rustling leaves feels like an encounter with something otherworldly.

Cultural Significance:
For the community, the Devil’s Face is more than a curiosity—it’s a reminder of how legends root themselves in the landscape. Whether tied to fear of the supernatural or to ancient folklore, it has become part of Rezzato’s identity and oral tradition. Hikers, students, and storytellers keep the tale alive, mixing history with imagination.

Traces Today:
📍 Address: Sentiero della Rasa, near Monastero di San Pietro in Colle, 25086 Rezzato (BS), Italy.
To find it, start from the ruins of the Monastero di San Pietro in Colle. From there, follow the Sentiero della Rasa trail into the forest. After about 20–30 minutes of hiking, watch carefully on the right side of the path: the Devil’s Face emerges from a mossy boulder, partly hidden in the shadows. It’s easy to miss if you rush, so walk slowly and keep your eyes sharp.

Conclusion:
Maybe it’s a devil, maybe it’s a guardian of the forest, or maybe just an old carving with no sinister meaning. But one thing is certain: the Devil’s Face of Rezzato will spark your imagination long after you leave the woods.