Lago di Scanno

Lake Scanno is a mountain lake in the upper Sagittario valley, formed when a landslide from the Genzana massif blocked the river Tasso. From a viewpoint above its northeastern shore, the lake's outline appears heart-shaped.

Why it matters

The lake is Abruzzo's largest natural lake. Its basin was created by a landslide, and water from the Tasso and Giordano streams leaves through underground passages before re-emerging to feed the Sagittario. The setting links the lake to the surrounding mountains and the nearby town of Scanno.

What to notice

The heart-shaped outline is best understood from the slopes above the northeastern shore. At the water's edge, the church of Madonna del Lago stands among the trees; it has been a place of worship since 1702. The lake and surrounding slopes also form part of a landscape of mountain forests, wetlands and protected areas.

Context and history

The lake lies between the Monti Marsicani and the Genzana massif, within the territories of Scanno and Villalago. A landslide from the Genzana massif dammed the Tasso and formed the lake. Its waters have no surface outlet; underground channels carry them toward the Sagittario valley. The Madonna del Lago church developed around an earlier votive image beside the water.