Castel dell’Alpi, hamlet of San Benedetto Val di Sambro (BO) - Lake of Castel dell'Alpi - Emilia Romagna

Lake Castel dell’Alpi is the only natural lake in the province of Bologna. Its sad origins today give an enchanted landscape... #tuttitaly

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Castel dell’Alpi, hamlet of San Benedetto Val di Sambro (BO) - Lake of Castel dell'Alpi - Emilia Romagna

We are still in Emilia Romagna, but this time we go up to about 700 meters above sea level to discover the only natural lake in the province of Bologna. We are in Castel dell'Alpi, in the Bolognese Apennines, a truly enchanting place. Peace of mind to fully enjoy the true luxuriant nature of the trees that are reflected in this magical body of water.

This lake was formed following a massive landslide that destroyed the whole town in 1951, saving only the church and the bell tower. The landslide completely blocked the course of the Savena stream, creating a natural dam creating the lake we know today. The new village was rebuilt on the opposite bank, and a bridge now connects the two banks. Its dramatic and sad origin gives us today an enchanted and magical landscape.

Disconnect from the usual daily routine and come up here, bring your packed lunch, and enjoy the tranquility and peace of this place or stop for a meal in a local inn to taste the flavors of the Apennines.

After lunch, enjoy the beauty of the lake; there is a straight path that will allow you to go around it thoroughly, especially in summer when the lake level drops and you are at the right time to look for and eat the tasty blackberries that you find along the way.

Local Trivia: The economy of the high Apennine valleys relied for centuries on the work of lumberjacks and charcoal burners. The dense woods that today surround the basin of Castel dell'Alpi are part of the very same mountainous green heart that supplied Bologna with the raw materials needed to build its Gothic monuments. It is a wonderful thought that the majestic wooden beams supporting the roof of the Basilica of San Petronio in Bologna share the same land and roots as the trees reflected in the lake's waters.

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Castel dell’Alpi, hamlet of San Benedetto Val di Sambro (BO) - Lake of Castel dell'Alpi - Emilia Romagna