Lake Carezza in the Italian Dolomites is one of the most, and one of the many, beautiful lakes that the area can boast. However, it is also one of the more unique, and especially stunning, lakes in the region. Also known by locals as “Lec de ergobando”, or Rainbow Lake, due to the way light and the surrounding landscape reflects colourfully on the surface of the waters, it is shrouded in local legend. If you're looking for a holiday drenched in natural beauty, otherworldly settings and stories of lovesick sorcerers and drowned rainbows, this might just be the place for you. Find yourself a holiday rental in Trentino Alto Adige and you can explore this natural phenomenon and the myths surrounding it for yourself.
The local stories and traditions of the Ladin people of the region tell of a beautiful water nymph who once lived in Lake Carezza.
One day, as she was sitting on the shore of the lake, tending to her hair and singing softly to herself, a local sorcerer passed by.
His name was Masaré and he was instantly entranced and bewitched by her song and beauty. Having fallen head over heels in love, he decided that he had to make her his.
One day, as she was sitting on the shore of the lake, tending to her hair and singing softly to herself, a local sorcerer passed by.
His name was Masaré and he was instantly entranced and bewitched by her song and beauty. Having fallen head over heels in love, he decided that he had to make her his.
After many unsuccessful attempts at abducting her, he turned to the witch Langwerda for help. She suggested that he dress up as a jeweller and create a rainbow arching from the Rosengarten to the Latemar. Once the nymph became distracted and enticed by the beautiful creation, he would be able to capture her. Following the witch's advice, the sorcerer created the rainbow and the nymph emerged to marvel at it. However, he had forgotten the other part of the plan and failed to wear his disguise.
Although the nymph was distracted by the amazing creation, she immediately recognised the sorcerer and evaded his trap.
After that, the nymph never appeared at the lake again. The sorcerer, utterly distraught at his own foolishness, smashed the rainbow into a million pieces. The glittering rainbow then fell into the lake. This is said to be the reason why the Lake of Carezza is still filled with the brilliant colours of the rainbow.
In truth, the many colours of Lake Carezza are merely reflections of the colourful and beautiful natural surroundings – the evergreen forests, rock faces, and the sky above. No matter how this site was formed, it is truly a must for anyone visiting the area of Trentino Alto Adige. You'll be utterly entranced by how beautiful and serene a place it is.
Although the nymph was distracted by the amazing creation, she immediately recognised the sorcerer and evaded his trap.
After that, the nymph never appeared at the lake again. The sorcerer, utterly distraught at his own foolishness, smashed the rainbow into a million pieces. The glittering rainbow then fell into the lake. This is said to be the reason why the Lake of Carezza is still filled with the brilliant colours of the rainbow.
In truth, the many colours of Lake Carezza are merely reflections of the colourful and beautiful natural surroundings – the evergreen forests, rock faces, and the sky above. No matter how this site was formed, it is truly a must for anyone visiting the area of Trentino Alto Adige. You'll be utterly entranced by how beautiful and serene a place it is.
Photo credits
picture 1: Idéfix / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Afrank99 / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Stef Mec
picture 1: Idéfix / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Afrank99 / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Stef Mec
