The Vervece Rock: among legend, diving, and spirituality

Immersed in history, legend, and natural wonders, the Vervece Rock is one of the most fascinating places within the Marine Protected Area of Punta Campanella. This marine sanctuary captivates visitors with its beauty, spiritual significance, and environmental value.

About one kilometre off the coast of Marina della Lobra stands the Vervece Rock, located in the Punta Campanella Marine Protected Area — more precisely in Zone A (the Red Zone), where access and swimming are prohibited. Clearly visible above the water, the rock is surrounded by steep cliffs that plunge to depths of over 50 metres.

Between history and legend

The name Vervece (in Neapolitan ‘O Revece’) comes from the Latin vervex, meaning “ram” — perhaps due to its vaguely similar shape. Like many other places along the peninsula of Sorrento, the rock combines natural beauty with local legend. It is said that the women of Marina della Lobra once tried to pull the rock towards the shore to protect their houses from the rough sea. Despite all their efforts, they failed — and, as the story goes, they fell backward onto the ground. Since then, it is jokingly said that the women of the village have flat bottoms.

This setting also holds great historical interest. The surrounding area is known for several shipwrecks: about a hundred metres away lie the remains of a small vessel, roughly 30 metres long. The ship was headed to Castellammare di Stabia but sank after colliding with the rock sometime between the 1960s and 1970s (the exact date remains uncertain). Moreover, in 2011, a stone anchor used by ancient boats was discovered near the site.

The underwater sanctuary and the Virgin of Vervece

Atop the rock stands a small lighthouse, now automated, that watches over the nearby fishing village of Marina della Lobra. But it is not the only guardian of these waters. Twelve metres below the surface lies a bronze statue of the Virgin of Vervece, the protector of divers and seafarers.

Since then, the Vervece has become an underwater sanctuary — the destination of an annual pilgrimage of divers held on the second Sunday of September. During the celebration of the Virgin of Vervece, a procession of boats accompanies the parish priest to the marine sanctuary. After the Mass, civilian and military divers lay a blessed laurel wreath at the feet of the submerged Madonna, in memory of those who lost their lives at sea.

Since 1983, commemorative plaques from various nations have been placed on the emerged part of the rock in the presence of diplomatic representatives. They honour heroes of the sea, including the legendary Luigi Ferraro (awarded the Gold Medal of Military Valour), pioneers of diving such as Ennio Falco and Enzo Maiorca himself, and the “Golden Tridents of Ustica.”

A paradise for divers

Normally inaccessible, the Vervece Rock can only be approached or explored underwater with special permission granted by the Punta Campanella Marine Protected Area authority. Thanks to the unique shape of the seabed, the area offers diving routes suitable for different levels of experience.

This Rock is a true marine paradise. The underwater landscape changes with depth, sunlight, and currents, creating a spectacular mosaic of life. The seabed teems with starfish, sponges, lobsters, shrimps, sea urchins, gorgonians, moray eels, and hundreds of brightly coloured fish.

This place is not just a point on the map: it is a symbol of natural beauty, a sacred place for those who live the sea with respect and passion, and a treasure to be preserved for future generations. Discovering it — even from afar — is an experience that leaves a lasting impression.