Best attractions and places to see around Lake Vagli, located in the Garfagnana region of Tuscany, center around an artificial lake nestled within the Apuan Alps. This area is known for its unique blend of natural features and historical intrigue, primarily due to the submerged village of Fabbriche di Careggine. The lake, formed by a 92-meter-high dam, is the largest hydroelectric basin in Tuscany. Visitors can explore the surrounding green mountain landscape and various points of interest.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
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The construction of the hydroelectric dam, designed by Count Eng. Ignazio Prinetti Castelletti, began in 1941, slowed down during wartime, and was completed in 1947 under the supervision of SELT Valdarno (now Enel). In the period 1951-53, the dam was raised by about 30 m, bringing the overall height to about 88-92 m. The ordinary arch and gravity dam, built in concrete, has a crest 150 m long and 5 m wide, while the width at foundation level is about 70 m. The crest is accessible to the public all year round. The lake, artificially formed in 1947 by damming the Edron stream, constitutes the dam's reservoir. Upon filling, the rising lake waters submerged some villages, the main one being Fabbriche di Careggine, a small village of blacksmiths from Brescia, founded in the 13th century, which re-emerges with every emptying of the basin. Since the Vajont disaster, the basin has not been filled beyond 80% of its maximum capacity. The basin holds about 35 million cubic meters of water and is exceptionally emptied in case maintenance intervention is necessary. This has happened four times: in 1958, 1974, 1983, and 1994. In the latter year, almost 1 million tourists from all over the world arrived in Vagli.
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There are some statues of current / Trump and past people here.
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Very simple route, about an hour at a leisurely pace. Special features: Tibetan bridge, ancient submerged village on the lake bed, park of honor and dishonor, possibility of booking the "angel flight" (or "panoramic zipline") from September on the site https://www.vaglipark.it
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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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View of the city Vagli Sotto of the suspended bridge
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Ponte sosposo (suspension bridge)
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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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Images that appeal to the imagination have been set up at this location. Too many to mention, come and discover them for yourself and take a picture with your hero.
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The medieval village of Fabbriche di Careggine, founded by blacksmiths in the 13th century, was submerged in 1953 to create Lake Vagli for hydroelectric purposes. It re-emerges only when the lake is drained for maintenance, revealing its stone houses, cemetery, three-arched bridge, and the Romanesque Church of San Teodoro.
The village of Fabbriche di Careggine re-emerges only when Lake Vagli is drained for maintenance. This has happened four times previously (1958, 1974, 1983, and 1994). The next draining was anticipated around 2026, though it can be subject to change based on water needs.
VagliPark offers a range of thrilling activities. You can experience the Zipline (Volo dell'Angelo), flying over the lake at high speeds, or walk across the Tibetan Bridge over Lake Vagli, which features glass panels for dramatic views. An easy Via Ferrata is also available for those seeking more adventure.
Yes, the area offers several family-friendly options. VagliPark's Zipline is designed to be accessible to people with disabilities, and the Tibetan Bridge over Lake Vagli provides an exciting walk for all ages. You can also explore the Park of Honor and Dishonor with its unique statues, or enjoy boating, kayaking, or pedal boating on Lake Vagli.
The region around Lake Vagli, nestled in the Apuan Alps, offers numerous paths for hiking. You can find challenging mountain hikes, such as the Monte Tambura Summit loop or the Monte Sumbra loop. For more options, explore the Mountain Hikes around Lake Vagli guide.
Yes, the area is ideal for cycling and mountain biking. You can find routes like the Vagli Dam – Passo del Giovetto loop or the Campocatino and Vagli Lake Loop. For a comprehensive list of trails, refer to the MTB Trails around Lake Vagli guide.
For stunning panoramic views, visit the Tibetan Bridge over Lake Vagli, which offers dramatic vistas of the valley and mountains. The Ponte Morandi also provides picturesque views over the idyllic lake and the village of Vagli Sotto. Additionally, the crown of the Vagli Lake Dam is accessible and offers impressive perspectives.
Lake Vagli itself is a significant natural feature, being the largest hydroelectric basin in Tuscany. It is nestled amidst the green peaks of the Apuan Alps, offering a scenic backdrop. The surrounding Garfagnana region is known for its wild, green, and unspoiled nature, perfect for exploring on foot or by bike.
The Parco dell'Onore e del Disonore is a unique cultural and artistic site near Lake Vagli. It features a collection of marble statues, some depicting famous figures and others representing abstract concepts of 'honor' or 'dishonor', adding an intriguing element to your visit.
Yes, there are several running trails available around Lake Vagli. You can find routes like the Running loop from Vagli Sotto or the Running loop from Camporgiano, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. For detailed routes, check the Running Trails around Lake Vagli guide.
The region around Lake Vagli is beautiful year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with vibrant foliage in the fall. Summer is ideal for water activities on the lake and enjoying the adventure park, though temperatures can be high.


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