Lake Turano – Lazio: between suspended villages, silent mountains and reflections of water.
Lake Turano is an artificial basin nestled in the mountains of the province of Rieti, in the heart of the Turano Valley. Surrounded by dense woods and small medieval villages, this lake presents itself as a place out of time, where nature, silence and history coexist in perfect harmony. 🌊 A lake between nature and human ingenuity:
Born in the 30s with the construction of a dam on the Turano river, the lake extends along a narrow and deep valley, following the gentle curves of the landscape. Its tranquil waters reflect the surrounding mountains and offer picturesque views in every season.
👉 Tip: Going up to the village of Castel di Tora, one of the most beautiful in Italy, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the lake, especially at sunset. 🏘️ Historic villages overlooking the water:
Around the lake there are villages with an intact charm, such as Castel di Tora and Colle di Tora, clinging to rocky promontories with stone houses and narrow alleys. These villages retain an authentic and welcoming atmosphere, where time seems to have stopped.
👉 Tip: Stroll through the streets of Castel di Tora, stop in a panoramic square and taste a local specialty in a family-run trattoria. 🚣 ♀️ Lake life and outdoor activities:
Lake Turano is perfect for those seeking tranquility or love sports: here you can practice canoeing, sup, fishing and swimming on the hottest days. The paths that surround it offer relaxing walks between water, forest and mountain.
👉 Tip: Walk along the bridge that connects Colle di Tora to the opposite shore: from there you can admire the profile of the village reflected on the water, one of the most photographed views of the lake. 🍽️ Rustic flavours and mountain cuisine:
The gastronomy of the area reflects the peasant and pastoral traditions of the area: homemade pasta, cheeses, local meats, legume soups and simple desserts related to the holidays. All accompanied by homemade bread and a good glass of red wine from Lazio.
👉 Tip: Taste the "maccheroni a fezze", a typical dish of the area, in one of the restaurants overlooking the lake, perhaps outdoors in the summer months. 🚶 ♂️ Excursions through woods, hermitages and panoramic views:
The mountains surrounding Lake Turano are crisscrossed by numerous hiking trails. From simple walks to more challenging routes, each itinerary offers silence, wild nature and breathtaking views. Nearby there is also the ancient Hermitage of San Salvatore, surrounded by greenery and reachable only on foot.
👉 Tip: Bring hiking shoes and a water bottle: many trails offer spectacular views and ideal areas for a stop in the middle of nature.
Lake Turano is one of the most evocative places in the Lazio Apennines: a landscape of water and stone that invites you to discover slowly, between authentic nature and villages suspended in time.