Lago di Talvacchia, lake in Italy
Lago di Talvacchia is an artificial reservoir formed by a dam across the Castellano stream, located on the border between Marche and Abruzzo at around 500 meters in elevation. The water stretches about 3.5 kilometers in length with maximum depths reaching 67 meters, and the steep valley sides create a dramatic setting that changes throughout the seasons.
The reservoir was created in 1960 when a dam was built across the Castellano stream to store water and manage flow. Since then, the water has powered a hydroelectric station near Capodiponte that supplies energy to the surrounding area.
The village of Talvacchia near the shore has roots that go back centuries in the region. Local fishing traditions and walks along the water remain part of daily life for those who know this place well.
The site is best reached by car from Ascoli Piceno, though the road climbs uphill and can be rough in places. Walking and cycling paths run along the shore and near spring sources, making spring and autumn ideal times to visit when weather is mild and the landscape changes color.
During dry months, old houses and bridges become visible beneath the surface, revealing traces of settlements that once existed before the dam was built. This surreal sight shows how the water covers earlier inhabited areas and creates an eerie connection to the region's hidden past.
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