Lake Reschen, in South Tyrol, Italy is an artificial lake located near the Reschen Pass, right by the border with Austria. Work was begun in 1940 but WWII and local protestations meant that it was not completed until 1950. The lake unifies two natural lakes, Reschensee and Mittersee, and submerged several villages, including Graun and Reschen. The thing that makes this site so remarkable, however, is the 14th century church tower which can still be seen, poking out of the water. At once eerie and beautiful, it is a remarkable thing to behold and surrounded by some of the world's most astounding scenery.
Why not find a holiday rental in Trentino Alto Aldige nearby and spend a day surveying this corner of the globe for yourself?
The area, high in the Alps, has been occupied since Roman times. Though small, the submerged towns always managed to get by happily and the loss of the heritage and culture that was drowned with them was keenly felt by the locals. 163 homes were lost to the waters and inhabitants were given money to start their lives elsewhere. Some moved away while others started a new life in upper Graun, overlooking their old homes and where many still live today.
The area, high in the Alps, has been occupied since Roman times. Though small, the submerged towns always managed to get by happily and the loss of the heritage and culture that was drowned with them was keenly felt by the locals. 163 homes were lost to the waters and inhabitants were given money to start their lives elsewhere. Some moved away while others started a new life in upper Graun, overlooking their old homes and where many still live today.
Perhaps that is why the area is so hauntingly beautiful. While life goes on and nature abounds in its loveliness all around, it is hard to forget what has happened and what has been lost. The top of the bell-tower remains, sticking out of the perfection of that natural beauty as an ever-present reminder of what once was.
In winter, when the area is blanketed by snow and becomes a much harsher, more icily picturesque place, the tower is reachable by foot. One can walk out across the water and circle the structure. Legend tells that winter also brings back the tolling of the church bells that are no longer inside the tower – they were removed a week before the creation of the lake.
Most of the town was demolished, as was the body of the church, yet the tower was allowed to remain. Mysterious, bizarre and haunting, it is certainly something that you don't see every day! If you ever find yourself in this neck of the woods (or should I say Alps) make sure to stop by and see it with your own eyes. South Tyrol also offers lots of activities in Winter and Summer such as hiking, skiing, boat trips and more.
In winter, when the area is blanketed by snow and becomes a much harsher, more icily picturesque place, the tower is reachable by foot. One can walk out across the water and circle the structure. Legend tells that winter also brings back the tolling of the church bells that are no longer inside the tower – they were removed a week before the creation of the lake.
Most of the town was demolished, as was the body of the church, yet the tower was allowed to remain. Mysterious, bizarre and haunting, it is certainly something that you don't see every day! If you ever find yourself in this neck of the woods (or should I say Alps) make sure to stop by and see it with your own eyes. South Tyrol also offers lots of activities in Winter and Summer such as hiking, skiing, boat trips and more.
Photo credits
picture 1: Sander van der Wel / CC BY-SA 2.0;
picture 2: SteveK / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Enth'ust'eac / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 1: Sander van der Wel / CC BY-SA 2.0;
picture 2: SteveK / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Enth'ust'eac / CC BY-SA 3.0
