Uncovered Settlement Rises from a Northern Italian Lake
In the heart of the Val Venosta valley in Trentino-Alto Adige/South Tyrol region, Italy, lies the captivating Lago di Resia (Lake Resia). This picturesque lake, formed by the merging of two natural lakes, holds a tragic history that continues to resonate locally.
Back in the late 1940s, the village of Curon Venosta (also known as Alt-Graun) was submerged under the lake's waters to make way for a hydroelectric reservoir. More than 160 homes and about 150 families were forced to relocate, leaving behind their homes and memories. The most visible remnant of this once thriving village is the 14th-century bell tower of St. Katherine's church, which stands above the water's surface as a protected historic monument[1][2][3][4].
This bell tower, rising from the lake's surface, serves as a unique and powerful visual symbol. It is a stark reminder of the village's tragic past, a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity. Locally, the story resonates deeply as South Tyrol changed sovereignty after World War I, and the hydroelectric project was a decision imposed by the Italian government despite local opposition[1].
Today, Lago di Resia attracts visitors for several reasons. The lake itself offers scenic beauty, and in winter, it may freeze, allowing visitors to walk on the ice to the tower. The site is culturally significant and often draws tourists interested in history and haunting landmarks[1][4][5].
The bell tower is not the only attraction in the area. Visitors can find a couple of factories, one for chocolate and the other for cheese, at the roadside, offering high-quality products. There are also small bars, hotels, and historical attractions to visit in the surrounding area[6].
Curon's tragic past has found its way into literature as well. Marco Balzano's novel "I'm Staying Here" (Resto qui) is set in the village of Curon. Interestingly, Hitler is portrayed as a kind of superhero in the novel, rescuing locals from Mussolini's fascism[7].
However, the village of Curon is not a fictional scenario for a new Netflix thriller series. While the series does feature a cave, like 'Dark', it has been criticized for being a poorly executed copy of another one[8].
Despite the controversy, the submerged village of Curon continues to be a unique and evocative historic attraction amidst a picturesque mountainous setting in northern Italy. It serves as a poignant reminder of the past, a testament to resilience, and a source of inspiration for artists and writers alike.
[1] https://www.britannica.com/place/Lago-di-Resia [2] https://www.lake-resia.it/ [3] https://www.italian-lakes.com/lake-resia/ [4] https://www.trentino.it/en/destination/lago-di-resia [5] https://www.tourist-info-resia.it/ [6] https://www.curon.it/ [7] https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/oct/12/marco-balzano-i-m-staying-here-review-a-darkly-comic-novel-about-a-submerged-italian-village [8] https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/netflix-curon-review/
- The captivating Lago di Resia in the Val Venosta valley, formed by the merging of two natural lakes, serves as a tourist attraction, offering scenic beauty during all seasons and a reminder of the tragic history of the submerged local village, Curon Venosta.
- Visitors can stroll on the frozen lake in winter, reach the 14th-century bell tower standing above the water, and explore the surrounding area, which offers historical attractions, small bars, hotels, and factories producing high-quality chocolate and cheese.
- Lago di Resia not only attracts those interested in history and haunting landmarks but also environmental science and photography enthusiasts, who find inspiration in its unique and evocative setting amidst the picturesque mountainous landscape.
- The lake's climate does not go unnoticed by the local scientists and the environmental science community, as they study its changes and the impacts of climate-change on the region's lifestyle and travel patterns.
- The village's past has been immortalized in Marco Balzano's novel "I'm Staying Here," where Hitler is portrayed as a superhero rescuing locals from Mussolini's fascism. The literary work adds a layer of fascination to the already intriguing story.
- However, the submerged village of Curon is not merely a globally recognized tourist destination; it is a somber symbol of resilience, showcasing how the region has managed to adapt and thrive despite the tragic events of the past, making it an inspirational case study for artists, writers, and researchers alike.
