Lake Scanno is situated approximately 922 m above sea level in the Sagittario valley, between Villalago and Scanno (AQ). Heart-shaped in form, it is a jewel set in the mountains which the Roman historian Titus Livius claimed originated when a massive landslide from mount Rava in 217 BCE caused by an earthquake dammed the river Tasso. However, research by the Università La Sapienza of Rome suggests that the landslide took place much earlier during the Upper Pleistocene era.
Lake Scanno is a popular tourist destination: it is 32m at its deepest point, offers swimming and a little beach with services, a play area for children, a site for camping cars and the rental of small boats, bicycles and rickshaws.
Better known as Santa Maria del Lago, the little Church of the Most Holy Annunciation, reflects in its water, its very evocative altar set on the bare rock. The lake has a wealth of flora and fauna and is a birdwatching destination.
Film Commission d'Abruzzo
Centro Regionale Beni Culturali - Sulmona
Phone: + 39 0864 576303
Email: crbc@regione.abruzzo.it
