The mystery of the sunken village
At first glance, Lago di Resia is an ideal place for a peaceful holiday - the beautiful alpine landscape and fresh mountain air attract tourists to walk and relax. However, when you see the bell tower rising from the water, you start to wonder: what's lurking beneath the surface?
This unique phenomenon is the only visible part of the ancient village of Graun, which was flooded in 1950 when the valley was turned into an artificial lake. This was created for the construction of a hydroelectric power station that connected two smaller lakes - Reschensee and Mittersee. In order to create this new lake, the entire valley had to be flooded, including the village of Graun and part of another village, Resia. The local inhabitants were forcibly evicted while their homes were slowly buried under the rising water.
Of the entire village, only one thing remains above the water - the 14th century church bell tower, which has now become an iconic symbol of the lake. The scene is surreal and evokes both sad and fascinating stories of a lost world hidden beneath the surface.
The tower that defies time
The bell tower that towers above the water gives Lago di Resia a mysterious atmosphere. In winter, when the lake freezes over, you can walk to it on the ice. In summer, it becomes a favourite spot for photographers to capture its reflection in the water. The tower is a symbol of a past that has not been forgotten, recalling the lost homes and lives of those who were forced to leave their villages.
Legend even has it that sometimes on winter nights you can still hear the bells ringing from the tower, even though the bells were removed before the village was flooded.
Hiking and activities at Lago di Resia
Although the history of Lago di Resia is sad, today the lake offers plenty of opportunities for tourists. In summer it is a popular place for water sports enthusiasts such as kitesurfing, sailing and windsurfing. In winter, when the lake freezes over, it turns into an ice surface suitable for ice skating or hiking to the tower.
The hiking and cycling trails around the lake offer spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and the opportunity to explore the beauty of South Tyrol.
In addition, if you head to the neighbouring town of Curon, you will find a museum dedicated to the history of the vanished villages and the story of the flooding. Even after all these years, the locals still try to preserve the memory of their roots and share their story with visitors.
Lago di Resia: a place of contrasts
Lago di Resia is a place full of contrasts. On the one hand, beautiful nature and recreational opportunities, on the other hand, the sad history of a lost village. For tourists, it represents a combination of beauty and melancholy - the calm lake with its tower is at the same time a symbol of tragedy.
This place is ideal for those who are looking not only for beautiful views but also for stories with deep emotional undertones.
The bell tower, which rises out of the water, will continue to stand as a silent witness to a past that has sunk beneath the surface - and will remain one of the most impressive sites in all of Italy.
