Along the limestone cliffs bordering the Baunei plateau stands the Stone Mask of Golgo (Maschera di Pietra del Golgo), a natural sculpture that appears deliberately carved by the hand of a visionary artist. It is a spectacular rock formation that wind and atmospheric erosion have shaped over time into the unmistakable features of a giant, stern human face, silently watching over the entire plain from above.
Looking up at the rock pillar, especially as the evening shadows accentuate the contours of its nose, eyes, and mouth, it is easy to see why stories and legends arose around this site. For centuries, the Mask fed local folklore, often linked to tales of the fearsome Scultone—a mythical serpent said to haunt the plateau before its defeat. Surrounding the rock, the Mediterranean scrub grows tenaciously through the crevices, with lentisk bushes, holm oaks, and strawberry trees framing the pale limestone profile.
A visit to the Stone Mask fits seamlessly into an itinerary exploring the Golgo Plateau and its surrounding area. Just a short distance away, you can reach the majestic abyss of Su Sterru and the nearby church of San Pietro with its famous Nuragic baetyl. For adventure seekers, the area is crisscrossed with trails leading to traditional local shepherd huts—the typical pinetos—as well as the extraordinary Codula di Sisine gorge, which plunges straight into the Ogliastra sea.
