Best lakes around Camporgiano are found within the Garfagnana region, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical interest. This area, nestled between the Apuan Alps and the Apennines, features several picturesque lakes, many of which are artificial basins created for hydroelectric power. The landscape provides opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration of unique cultural sites. The region's lakes are easily accessible from Camporgiano, serving as key natural attractions.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
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The place is cool and quiet during the week. Canoe rentals are available for lake excursions.
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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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Lake Gramolazzo is located in the Apuan Alps park and is an artificial basin created with a dam on the Serchio river during the 1950s.
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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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Located in the hamlet of the same name in Minucciano, the lake of Gramolazzo is artificial and exploited for the creation of electricity. Its banks are equipped with playgrounds for children.
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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 lakes around Camporgiano, primarily within the Garfagnana region, are often artificial basins created for hydroelectric power. They offer a blend of natural beauty, historical interest, and opportunities for outdoor activities.
Yes, Lake Gramolazzo is an excellent choice. It's an artificial lake that provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, cycling along its paths, and boat trips. Its natural beauty and equipped banks make it a popular spot for recreation.
Lake Vagli is renowned for its intriguing history. It's famous for the 'ghost village' of Fabbriche di Careggine, which was submerged when a dam was built. The village reappears when the lake is drained for maintenance, offering a rare glimpse into the past. You can also see the suspension bridge and statues at the Parco dell'Onore e del Disonore in Vagli Sotto.
Yes, the Isola Santa Village is a charming settlement nestled on an artificial lake between the Apuan Alps and the Apennines. It offers a peaceful and tranquil escape with beautiful natural surroundings, making it ideal for a quiet visit and excellent fishing opportunities.
Many of the lakes are considered family-friendly. Both Lake Gramolazzo and Lake Vagli are categorized as family-friendly, offering various activities and scenic views suitable for all ages.
The region around Camporgiano offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous MTB trails, road cycling routes, and running trails. For example, there are MTB routes like the 'Garfagnana Trekking: Lake Gramolazzo Loop' and road cycling routes such as 'Castelnuovo di Garfagnana – Lake Gramolazzo loop'. You can explore more options on the MTB Trails around Camporgiano, Road Cycling Routes around Camporgiano, and Running Trails around Camporgiano guide pages.
Yes, Lake Gramolazzo is known for fishing. Additionally, the small, artificial Lake and Dam of Vicaglia is excellent for fishing, particularly for trout, with the proper permits.
The Lake and Dam of Vicaglia is a small, artificial lake nestled in a narrow rocky gorge at about 1000 meters above sea level. Its cold waters display bright, changing colors from green to deep blue, and it's surrounded by rich vegetation, making it a destination for canoeists and fishermen.
Yes, Lake Gramolazzo is listed as dog-friendly, offering a great environment for you and your canine companion to enjoy the outdoors.
Visitors frequently highlight the natural beauty and the variety of activities available. The komoot community has contributed over 90 upvotes and 20 photos for these locations, appreciating the opportunities for relaxation, outdoor recreation, and exploring unique historical sites like the submerged village at Lake Vagli.
While specific easy walking trails are not detailed for every lake, the paths around Lake Gramolazzo are suitable for leisurely walks and cycling. The area generally offers opportunities for gentle exploration, though some nearby routes can be more challenging.


Still not found your perfect lake around Camporgiano? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.