Best lakes around Vagli Sotto are primarily found within the Apuan Alps, offering a blend of natural landscapes and historical significance. The region features artificial lakes created for hydroelectric purposes, nestled in the deep Tuscan countryside. These bodies of water provide serene settings and opportunities for exploration, reflecting the surrounding green peaks. The area is known for its unique blend of natural beauty and human-made features.
Last updated: May 11, 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 in the Vagli Sotto region, nestled within the Apuan Alps, are primarily artificial and were created for hydroelectric purposes. This has led to unique features like the submerged village of Fabbriche di Careggine in Lake Vagli, which resurfaces when the lake is emptied. The area offers a blend of natural beauty and intriguing human-made history.
The medieval village of Fabbriche di Careggine lies beneath the waters of Lake Vagli. It was intentionally flooded in the 1940s/1950s for the construction of a hydroelectric dam. The village, including its Romanesque Church of San Teodoro, only reappears when the lake is drained for maintenance, an event that has occurred only a few times, attracting millions of visitors.
Yes, for adrenaline seekers, the Vagli Park near Lake Vagli offers a zipline experience where you can fly over the lake. There's also a dramatic suspension bridge with glass sections providing breathtaking views. Boating, kayaking, and pedal boating are also available on the lake.
Absolutely. Lake Gramolazzo is particularly family-friendly, with equipped banks featuring playgrounds and beach sections suitable for swimming. The area around Lake Vagli also offers easy walks and the exciting suspension bridge, which can be enjoyed by families.
The lakes are surrounded by the stunning green peaks of the Apuan Alps, offering serene waters that reflect the mountains. The region is rich in flora and fauna, providing a peaceful retreat with picturesque landscapes and numerous paths for exploration.
Yes, the area around Vagli Sotto is popular for both hiking and cycling. You can find various routes, including a circular tour around Lake Vagli. For more detailed options, explore the hiking routes around Vagli Sotto or the cycling routes around Vagli Sotto.
Isola Santa Village is a picturesque medieval settlement overlooking an artificial lake. Its half-destroyed buildings are revealed when the lake is cyclically emptied, similar to Fabbriche di Careggine, adding to its unique charm and historical appeal.
Yes, Lake Gramolazzo has large beach sections that invite visitors to swim. While Lake Vagli is primarily known for its historical significance and adventure activities, some visitors also enjoy its waters.
The area is beautiful year-round, but the warmer months are ideal for outdoor activities like swimming, boating, hiking, and cycling. During this time, cafes and facilities are typically fully operational. However, the anticipation of the submerged village resurfacing (when the lake is emptied) can make those rare events particularly popular.
Yes, the Lake and Dam of Vicaglia is another artificial lake worth visiting. Nestled in a narrow rocky gorge, its cold waters change colors from green to deep blue, and it's known for fishing and scenic hikes around its perimeter.
Visitors are often captivated by the unique history of the submerged villages, the stunning natural beauty of the Apuan Alps, and the range of activities available, from adventurous ziplining to peaceful walks and family-friendly beaches. The blend of history, nature, and recreation makes it a compelling destination.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity in some of the lakes. Lake Vagli is considered a good spot for fishing, and the Lake and Dam of Vicaglia is also excellent for fishing, provided you have the proper permits.


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