Lago di Occhito, Artificial reservoir between Campobasso and Foggia, Italy
Lago di Occhito is an artificial reservoir formed by damming the Fortore River, spreading across the provinces of Foggia and Campobasso. The water sits in a broad basin with gentle shores that invite walks and exploration around its perimeter.
The reservoir was built during the mid-twentieth century to provide irrigation water for agriculture in southern Italy. Its construction transformed the river valley into a permanent water storage system that still serves the region today.
The water brings together people from both sides of the regional border, where locals fish and gather along its banks. You can see how communities here naturally use the shoreline for their daily outdoor activities and leisure.
You can enter and explore the shoreline from multiple points scattered around the water, making it easy to find a spot that suits your interests. Bring water and sun protection since much of the area is open and exposed, especially if you plan to spend a full day there.
The reservoir marks the border between Molise and Puglia for more than 10 kilometers and ranks as one of Europe's largest by water volume. This unusual position makes it a remarkable example of how human engineering can define a regional boundary.
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