It is characterized by a tower! Lake Resia hides an entire village beneath the surface!

At the very north of Italy, where Austria, Switzerland, and South Tyrol meet, lies a lake that appears almost unreal at first glance. Lake Resia is not known for swimming, beaches, or promenades, but for one striking sight that remains in memory for a long time. From the cold green water rises the stone tower of a church, standing like a solitary guardian.

The lake is located in Val Venosta, directly beside the Passo di Resia mountain pass, at an altitude of approximately 1,500 metres. It is one of the largest lakes in Italy and stretches for about six kilometres.

Lake Resia Photo: Leonid_Andronov Depositphotos

The appearance of the lake is the result of human intervention rather than a natural process. Until the middle of the twentieth century, the villages of Curon Venosta and Resia stood in this area. In 1950, construction of a hydroelectric dam was completed, merging three smaller natural lakes into a single large reservoir for electricity production. This led to flooding of the valley, during which more than 160 houses, agricultural land, roads, and the cemetery were destroyed.

The project was carried out despite strong opposition from the local population. The residents of Curon Venosta were relocated to a newly built settlement on higher ground along the lake’s shore, while the original village was completely submerged.

The only structure to survive was the bell tower of the Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria from the 14th century. Approximately 22 metres high, the tower was preserved because of its historical value and today stands within the lake.

Although the foundations of former houses and parts of the original infrastructure still lie beneath the surface, they are not visible due to the depth and turbidity of the water.

Lake Resia Photo: wirestock_creators Depositphotos

The lake area is known for frequent and strong winds, which makes it popular among sailing and kitesurfing enthusiasts. A well-maintained walking and cycling path approximately fifteen kilometres long runs around the entire lake and is accessible for most of the year.

During the winter months, the lake surface often freezes, allowing visitors to walk all the way to the bell tower. Appropriate safety precautions should always be observed.

Lake Resia Photo: AndrewMayovskyy Depositphotos

Today, Lake Resia serves a dual purpose. On one hand, it is an important part of South Tyrol’s energy system, and on the other, it represents one of the region’s most distinctive historical landmarks.