Luigi Lineri, a passionate collector from the quaint town of Zevio, near Verona in Northern Italy, has dedicated over five decades to his unique hobby of gathering stones from the Adige River. Born in 1937 in Albaro, Italy, Lineri’s fascination with stones began when he was just a young boy, and it has only grown stronger with time. After a long career working in a shoe store and as a hospital assistant, Lineri found solace and inspiration in the stones he collected along the banks of the Adige River.

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Since the 1970s, Lineri has meticulously categorized the stones based on their shapes, identifying captivating human profiles, animal heads, tools, and other intriguing forms. He displays his extensive collection in two rooms and a barn, which visitors often describe as a mystical sanctuary or cathedral. Lineri’s creative eye allows him to see faces and figures within the stones, connecting him with ancient cultures and sparking his artistic imagination.

Apart from his stone collection, Lineri is also a talented poet, painter, and ceramic artist, making him a versatile creative force in the art world. His collection features an array of forms, including fish, dogs, sheep heads, and female bodies, each carefully arranged to evoke a sense of wonder and emotion in those who behold them. Visitors to Lineri’s stone sanctuary often describe feeling a powerful energy emanating from the stones, further adding to the mystical allure of his creations.

Despite the immense joy and fulfillment that his stone collection brings him, Lineri contemplates the ultimate fate of his beloved stones. While he hopes that someone will preserve and cherish his collection in the future, he has also considered the poetic notion of returning the stones to their original riverbed, completing the cycle of their journey. Lineri’s deep connection to the stones and the stories they hold is palpable, making his collection not just a work of art but a testament to his lifelong passion and dedication.