Best lakes around Pieve Fosciana are found in the Garfagnana region, characterized by its diverse natural and artificial water bodies. This area features a landscape shaped by both natural processes and human engineering, offering a range of aquatic environments. The region's geography includes mountain ranges and river valleys, providing varied settings for its lakes. These water bodies serve as focal points for both natural beauty and local history.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
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A refuge with renovated private rooms and excellent cuisine. It's an excellent starting point for various hikes in the area, and the management is very friendly. From the (paid) parking lot, it's about a 10-minute walk uphill to the refuge. The manager, Massimo, is a wonderful person; it's always a pleasure to return!
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Lago di Vagli (Vagli Sotto) - That's all it needs to be / Day 13 Last day of vacation in Green Tuscany. Temperatures rise above 40°C. In search of cooling, which we find on the banks of the Lago di Vagli reservoir. We are triggered by the sunken village, Fabbriche di Careggine, which was evacuated in 1947 to create a reservoir for the public interest. This village had a beautiful Romanesque church from the 13th century, a few houses and a cemetery. Every now and then the church tower of the village appears above the water. In a haze of mystery and the mirage above the water surface, we hope to catch a glimpse of the spire. The ghost village only reveals its hidden secrets every 25 years. The last time the reservoir was drained for maintenance work was in 1996 and was allowed to receive millions of visitors. Due to corona, the draining has been postponed. Now we are looking forward to a new period when the lake will be drained once again. Ruins will then reveal their secrets again... will the church tower of San Teodoro still be intact? It is also said that the spirits of the deceased residents then return and haunt the village, a real ghost town... 'More' is all we need for that... Ponte Morandi and Ponte dei Fanti di Marina let us enjoy beautiful views over the idyllic lake, the picturesque village of Vagli Sotto with the beautiful green mountain landscape in the background. We walk past the statues of Parco dell'Onore e del Disonore in an exemplary manner. Here 'Honour and Dishonour' stare out over the surface of the water. The statues of Trump and Putin are only worth a two-second glance. We complete our discovery adventurously along the shady banks of Vagli Sotto. With a delicious lunch behind us, we finally leave... The heat is getting too much for us, returning to our B&B seems like a good idea... Read more experiences? Click through to https://www.komoot.com/nl-nl/collection/2195535/-visit-italy-2023-regio-massa-carrara-lucca
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The body of water is located in the municipality of Vagli Sotto in the province of Lucca and was formed artificially with the damming of the Edron stream in 1947 by SELT Valdarno (now Enel s.p.a.) and the construction of a hydroelectric dam designed by Count Eng. Ignazio Prinetti Castelletti as recalled by an inscription fixed to the wall between the steps on the western bank. In 1948 the works on the dam were completed with the subsequent raising to 92 meters. The rising waters of the lake submerged some villages among which the main one was Fabbriche di Careggine, a small village of blacksmiths from Brescia, founded in the 13th century, which re-emerges every time the lake is emptied. The lake contains approximately 35 million cubic meters of water and is emptied exceptionally if maintenance is necessary. It has happened four times: in 1958, 1974, 1983 and 1994. The new emptying was expected for 2024, but due to the water needs caused by recent droughts, it was decided to postpone the emptying to 2026 (unless it becomes necessary to postpone it again). The wait for the new emptying is linked to the tourist attraction offered by the re-emergence of the village of Fabbriche di Careggine, whose structure (including the beautiful church of San Teodoro) is still substantially intact under the waters of the lake.
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beautiful lake from which many paths start, the food at the refuge is very good and the manager is very friendly
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The lake is located at an altitude of 1,501 m above sea level. and it is the largest natural lake in the Modena Apennines and the second, slightly surpassed by the homonymous lake in Parma, in the entire northern Apennines: it has a perimeter of 1250 m, a length of approximately 550 m and its surface measures 58,000 m2 while its maximum depth is approximately 20 metres, found in the sector below the wall of Monte Giovo; its reservoir is approximately 450,000 m3. Lago Santo is fed by three tributaries: one descends from the Boccaia, another from the Serra coast and the third from the Borra dei Porci terrace; instead there is a single emissary located at the southern end near the Rifugio Vittoria. The lake has a mixed origin, glacial and landslide.
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The tour doesn't have any difficult passages but requires a good workout for the length of the route… the lakes are all very beautiful (unfortunately the cloudy lake was dry) all the others ok! In summer it is advisable to bring lots of water with you...fantastic tour 💙🏞️
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Very picturesque little village on the edge of the reservoir. In the high season, however, also very crowded ...
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Fraction of Careggine, Isola Santa is a splendid village not far from the Garfagnana. It overlooks an artificial lake, filled by the waters of the Turrite Secca torrent stopped by a post-war dam. The cyclical emptying of the basin brings the half-destroyed buildings of the village back to life.
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The Garfagnana region offers diverse natural features. For instance, Lago Santo Modenese is a mountain lake known for its refuge and as a starting point for hikes. Lake Prà di Lama stands out as the only natural thermal lake in Garfagnana, fed by underground springs, with waters consistently around 30 degrees Celsius and unique geological phenomena.
Yes, Lake Vagli is particularly significant for its submerged medieval village, Fabbriche di Careggine, which reappears when the lake is periodically drained. This rare event offers a glimpse into the region's past. Additionally, the picturesque Isola Santa Village, nestled by an artificial lake, features stone houses and a distinctive church, preserving a timeless atmosphere.
Several lakes are family-friendly. Lake Vagli offers picnic spots and the exciting 'Flight of the Angel' zipline. Lake Gramolazzo is also great for families, featuring a promenade, picnic areas, and playgrounds, with designated swimming areas in summer. Isola Santa Village provides a charming setting for a family outing with its picturesque village and lake views.
The lakes and surrounding Garfagnana region offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, with routes like the 'Altaretto – Monte Giovo loop' starting from Lago Santo Modenese. Gravel biking is popular, with routes such as the 'Lake Gramolazzo loop'. Running trails are also available, including the 'Pontecosi Lake loop'. For more details on these and other routes, visit the Mountain Hikes, Gravel Biking, and Running Trails guides around Pieve Fosciana.
Lake Pontecosi is an excellent spot for birdwatching. It is recognized as a crucial wintering ground for migratory birds in Garfagnana, boasting a rich and varied avian population. The peaceful environment is ideal for observing diverse birdlife.
Lake Gramolazzo is a popular destination for water sports, offering fishing, rowing, kayaking, and windsurfing. It also has designated areas for swimming during the summer months. Lake Isola Santa is suitable for canoeing and kayaking, while the small Lake and Dam of Vicaglia is also popular for canoeing and fishing.
The best time to visit the Garfagnana lakes generally depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June to August) is ideal for swimming and water sports, especially at Lake Gramolazzo. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring the natural beauty, with vibrant foliage in autumn. Winter can be beautiful for quiet walks, though some higher-altitude trails might be challenging.
Yes, fishing is possible in several lakes. Lake Pontecosi offers fishing opportunities. Lake Isola Santa is particularly known as a haven for fishermen seeking wild brown trout. The Lake and Dam of Vicaglia is also excellent for fishing, provided you have the proper permits.
Lake Gramolazzo features a beautiful promenade, making it ideal for easy walks and strolls. Lake Pontecosi also offers a scenic walk along its banks, leading to a charming small church and an ancient bridge, perfect for a relaxed outing.
Lake Vagli is unique because it is the largest artificial lake in Tuscany and hides the medieval village of Fabbriche di Careggine beneath its waters. This 'ghost village' only reappears when the lake is periodically drained for maintenance, offering a rare and fascinating sight. The 92-meter high dam is also accessible to the public, and the area features a notable suspension bridge and a zipline experience.
Lake Isola Santa is renowned for its pristine natural beauty and the enchanting village perched on its banks, making it one of Garfagnana's most unspoiled and photogenic locations. Lake Gramolazzo, with its green waters reflecting Monte Pisanino, the highest peak in the Apuan Alps, also offers stunning scenic views and excellent photography opportunities.
Visitors frequently appreciate the diverse experiences offered by the lakes. Many are drawn to the historical intrigue of Lake Vagli and its submerged village, while others cherish the tranquil beauty and hiking opportunities around Lago Santo Modenese. The picturesque setting of Isola Santa Village is also a highlight for many, offering a fairytale-like atmosphere.


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