Sentiero del Cuore

Lake Scanno lies in a landslide-dammed basin in the Apennines above the Sagittario valley. From an elevated perspective its shoreline forms the heart-like outline that gave the Sentiero del Cuore its name.

Why it matters

The regional tourism account attributes the lake's formation to a prehistoric landslide from the Genzana massif that blocked the Tasso river. At 922 metres above sea level, it is the largest natural lake in Abruzzo. The heart-shaped outline is visible from above and has become a familiar emblem of the Scanno valley.

What to notice

The lake's outline brings together a rounded southern lobe, a narrower central waist and the curve of the northern shore. Around the basin are protected landscapes, including the Gole del Sagittario and Monte Genzana e Alto Gizio reserves and the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park. The lake supports fish including tench, trout and eels; surrounding shores and skies host herons, coots, peregrine falcons and eagles. Nearby woodland is habitat for the Apennine wolf and Marsican bear.

Context and history

The trail takes its name from the heart-shaped view rather than from an ancient route. The basin formed behind a landslide dam from Monte Genzana; submerged outlets help regulate the lake, whose maximum depth is about 35 metres during thaw. The state road 479 runs beside the lake, connecting Scanno with Villalago. On the shore, the church of Madonna del Lago has served worship since 1702. The highland landscape combines the lake, its feeder valley and a network of protected areas.