Best lakes around Bisegna are found in the Abruzzo region of Italy, an area characterized by its natural beauty and mountainous landscape. Bisegna is a village surrounded by significant natural attractions, including notable lakes. The region offers diverse geographic features, from high-altitude natural lakes to artificial reservoirs nestled within dramatic gorges. This area provides opportunities for exploring both natural landmarks and cultural sites.
Last updated: April 29, 2026
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Lake San Domenico is a picturesque artificial basin created around 1920 with the construction of a dam on the Sagittario river, built for hydroelectric power generation. Located near the Hermitage of San Domenico, it strikes with the extraordinary color of its waters, which vary from emerald green to intense blue.
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A place in Abruzzo for all romantics: from here the Scanno lake takes its beautiful heart shape, which also gives its name to the path that leads to the belvedere. Experts trace the origin of this natural lake back about 3000 years.
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Artificial lake in the municipality of Villalago, the San Domenico basin has as its main tributary the Sagittario river, which is also the waterway that emerges from the dam. Not far from this point stands the hermitage of San Domenico.
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it's already starting to look like a heart
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A jewel set in the mountains of Abruzzo.
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Magnificent place to respect and admire for its beauty.
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Segment traveled during the visit to the Abruzzo National Park, Sulmona - Celano section
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Lake Scanno is renowned for its distinctive heart shape, which is best appreciated from specific viewpoints in the surrounding mountains. It's the largest natural lake in Abruzzo, formed over 3,000 years ago by a landslide, and boasts clear, often emerald-green waters. It's also one of the few mountain lakes in Italy where swimming is permitted.
At Lake Scanno, you can enjoy swimming in its clean waters, especially during warmer months. Other popular activities include kayaking, paddle boating, and fishing. Rickshaw rentals are available for exploring the lake's perimeter, and the surrounding area offers numerous trails for hiking and nature walks, including the "Heart Trail" for spectacular views. For more details, you can visit what to do at Lake Scanno.
The most significant attraction at Lake San Domenico is the beautiful, medieval Hermitage of San Domenico, which reflects in the lake's turquoise to emerald-colored waters. This site has historical and spiritual importance, originally a cave used by Saint Dominic around the year 1000, later transformed into a votive chapel and then the current hermitage.
Yes, you can swim in Lake Scanno, as it is one of the few mountain lakes in Italy where swimming is permitted, especially during the warmer months. However, swimming is generally prohibited in Lake San Domenico.
Yes, both Lake Scanno and Lake San Domenico offer family-friendly options. Lake Scanno allows swimming, kayaking, and paddle boating. Lake San Domenico has picnic tables and a small beach area (Prato Cardoso) ideal for relaxation and walks. Many trails around the lakes, like the Viewpoint Trail from the Hermitage to the Lake, are suitable for families.
The most beautiful panoramic point to admire Lake Scanno's heart shape is the View of Heart-Shaped Lake Scanno. This viewpoint is reached via the "Heart Trail" and offers a spectacular perspective of the lake's unique conformation.
The area around Bisegna offers numerous hiking opportunities. You can find trails around both Lake Scanno and Lake San Domenico. For example, the "Heart Trail" near Lake Scanno provides stunning views. The Sagittario Gorges, where Lake San Domenico is located, also offer scenic trails. You can explore various hiking routes in the region by visiting the Hiking around Bisegna guide.
Yes, there are several cycling routes that explore the lakes and the surrounding area. You can find routes that loop around Lake Scanno and connect to Lake San Domenico, often passing through picturesque villages. For detailed cycling routes, refer to the Cycling around Bisegna guide.
The Sagittario Gorges are a spectacular nature reserve known for its canyon carved by the Sagittario river. Lake San Domenico is an integral part of these gorges, nestled among majestic mountains and dense forests. The gorges offer scenic trails, waterfalls, and opportunities for wildlife spotting, including wolves and bears. Anversa degli Abruzzi and the Sagittario Gorges is a key highlight in this area.
The warmer months are generally ideal for visiting, especially if you plan to swim in Lake Scanno or enjoy water activities. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty without the summer crowds, with vibrant foliage in autumn.
Visitors frequently praise Lake San Domenico for its truly suggestive panorama and its emerald-green waters set among the rocks of the Sagittario Gorges. The presence of the historic Hermitage of San Domenico reflecting in the lake adds a unique charm, making it a beautiful mountain lake experience.
Yes, the region around Bisegna and its lakes offers various mountain biking trails. You can find routes that loop around Lake Scanno and connect to other scenic areas. For specific MTB trails and their difficulties, check out the MTB Trails around Bisegna guide.


Still not found your perfect lake around Bisegna? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.