At the head of the Val Venosta near the Austrian and Swiss borders, the bell tower of a drowned village rises eerily from the waters of Lago di Resia (Reschensee). The 14th-century campanile, all that remains of old Curon after the valley was flooded for a dam in 1950, is one of Italy's most haunting and photographed sights.
At the very head of the Val Venosta in the far west of South Tyrol, where Italy meets Austria and Switzerland, lies one of the country's most haunting sights: the slender stone bell tower of a drowned village rising straight out of the waters of Lago di Resia (Reschensee). The tower is the sole surviving structure of the old village of Graun (Curon), which together with part of neighbouring Resia was dynamited and flooded in 1950 when the valley was dammed to create a reservoir for hydroelectric power, submerging homes, farms and the church but for its 14th-century campanile. The image of the lone Romanesque tower standing in the lake, against a backdrop of high peaks, has become an emblem of South Tyrol and was the inspiration for a popular novel and television series. It lies about 80 kilometres and an hour and a half by car up the Venosta valley from Merano, reachable also by bus from Malles (Mals). The visit centres on the lakeshore: a flat, easy path runs along the water near Curon Venosta, with the classic close view of the tower from the western shore, and a longer lakeside trail and cycle route circle part of the reservoir for those wanting a gentle walk or ride. The tower is striking in every season, mirrored in calm summer water and, in cold winters, reachable on foot across the frozen lake, when its base sits in the ice. The drive up the Venosta is itself a pleasure, threading apple orchards, vineyards and a string of Romanesque churches; worthwhile stops on the way include the tiny walled town of Glorenza (Glurns), one of the smallest in the Alps with its medieval ramparts fully intact, and the Benedictine abbey of Monte Maria above Burgusio. The villages around the lake serve hearty Venosta cooking, and the area is popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing in summer and cross-country skiing in winter. The site is free to visit with easy parking. Because the valley sits high and near the passes, it stays cool and can be windy, so layers and sun protection are sensible year-round.
Location
Lago di Resia / Reschensee, Curon Venosta, 39027 (BZ), Italy
46.8089, 10.5414 View on map
Highlights
- Submerged 14th-century bell tower of Curon
- Lakeside walking and cycling path
- High Venosta valley scenery near three borders
- Apple orchards and Romanesque churches en route
- Winter walk out to the frozen tower
Tips for visiting
- The classic view is from the western shore near Curon Venosta
- combine with the apple villages and Glorenza's intact walls on the way
When to visit
Striking year-round: calm summer water mirrors the tower, while in cold winters the frozen lake can be walked. The high valley stays cool and windy, so layers help in any season.
Frequently asked questions
Why is there a bell tower in the lake?
It is the 14th-century campanile of the old village of Graun (Curon), the only structure left standing after the valley was dammed and flooded in 1950 to create a hydroelectric reservoir.
How do visitors reach Lago di Resia?
By car it is about an hour and a half up the Val Venosta from Merano, near the Austrian and Swiss borders, or by bus from Malles. The site is free to visit with easy parking.
Can the tower be reached on foot?
A flat lakeside path gives the classic close view from the western shore, and in cold winters the lake freezes solid enough to walk out to the base of the tower across the ice.
What else is worth seeing nearby?
The drive up the Venosta passes apple orchards and Romanesque churches; the walled medieval town of Glorenza and the abbey of Monte Maria above Burgusio make worthwhile stops.