Lago di Pilato, Glacial lake in Sibylline Mountains, Italy.
Description
Lago di Pilato is a glacial lake in the Sibylline Mountains at about 1,941 meters elevation, consisting of two connected pools that resemble eyeglasses when water levels are high. The lakes sit in a U-shaped valley below Monte Vettore and are surrounded by steep slopes.
History
The lake formed during the Upper Pleistocene epoch through glacial activity that carved a deep valley in the Apennine range. In medieval times, local authorities built walls around it to restrict access to the site.
Culture
The name links to medieval legends about Pontius Pilate, stories that shaped local folklore for generations. Visitors can sense this ancient connection as they walk around the water's edge today.
Practical
Access requires a three-hour uphill hike through Monti Sibillini National Park, so sturdy boots and fitness are necessary. Water levels vary greatly by season, with the best visiting months being June through September.
Did you know?
The water is home to Chirocephalus marchesonii, a rare freshwater shrimp found nowhere else that swims upside down in the water. This tiny species is a living remnant from a distant glacial past.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Montemonaco).
The Marche region in central Italy stretches between the Apennines and the Adriatic Sea. This collection brings together places that let you explore the area: towns of art like Urbino and Ascoli Piceno, natural parks in the mountains, underground caves at Frasassi, seaside resorts along the coast,...
Monte Vettore
820 m
Sibillini Mountains National Park
10.6 km
Piani di Castelluccio
4.8 km
Monte Sibilla
8.2 km
Cima del Redentore
834 m
Rocca di Arquata del Tronto
6.4 km
Pizzo del Diavolo
480 m
Passo Cattivo
10.1 km
Monte Porche
6.1 km
Palazzo Borghese
5.4 km
Cima del Lago
1 km
Monte Patino
10.2 km
Monte Prata
7.1 km
Porche di Vallinfante
8.4 km
Monte Ceresa
6.9 km
Santa Maria in Lapide
6.2 km
Spina di Gualdo
9.3 km
Torre civica
6.5 km
Chiesa di Santa Maria del Domo
10 km
Chiesa di Sant'Antonio Abate
10.3 km
Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
10.4 km
Chiesa della Maina
10.5 km
Monterone
6.8 km
Madonna del Sole
10.1 km
Cima Cannafusto
9.5 km
San Francesco
6.3 km
Chiesa di San Benedetto
9.6 km
Bosco Italia
5.8 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes