Lago di Scanno, Natural lake in Sagittario Valley, Abruzzo, Italy.
Lago di Scanno is a natural lake nestled in the Sagittario Valley at 930 meters elevation, surrounded by forested slopes that rise sharply from the water's edge. The lake reaches depths of around 32 meters and features a sandy southern shore equipped with facilities for swimmers and visitors.
A prehistoric landslide from Mount Genzana blocked the Tasso River at the end of the last ice age, creating this natural basin that has endured for millennia. This geological event shaped the landscape into the water body seen today.
The Church of Madonna del Lago has anchored spiritual life on the shore since the 1700s and remains a place where visitors pause to reflect. Its altar rests against the natural rock face, merging human devotion with the surrounding landscape.
The lake is easily reached through a southern beach area offering boat rentals, sunshades, and dining options for day visitors. Arriving early, especially on warm days, helps you secure a good spot since the beach can become crowded.
From specific vantage points along the Sentiero del Cuore hiking trail, the lake's outline forms a perfect heart shape when viewed from above. Few visitors realize this natural phenomenon exists unless they know to look for it from these particular mountain viewpoints.
Location: Scanno
Location: Villalago
Elevation above the sea: 930 m
GPS coordinates: 41.92000,13.86389
Latest update: December 6, 2025 21:22
Europe contains numerous lakes distinguished by their natural beauty and relative seclusion. From the turquoise waters of the Dolomites to the clear lakes of the Scottish Highlands, these locations span various geological formations. These lakes lie within alpine regions, volcanic areas, or historic cultural landscapes. In the Alps, lakes such as Lake Bohinj in Slovenia, Königssee in Bavaria, and Lake Brienz in the Bernese Oberland can be found. Hintersee near Ramsau and Seealpsee in Appenzell Innerrhoden sit in mountain valleys. In Southern Europe, Lake Scanno in Abruzzo and Lake Sorapis in the Dolomites are located. Hallstätter See in Upper Austria lies between steep mountain slopes. Other lakes exist in volcanic or glacially formed landscapes. Kerið crater lake in southern Iceland demonstrates volcanic activity. In Scotland, Loch Awe extends through the valleys of Argyll, while the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye flow in rock basins. Lake Saimaa in southeastern Finland forms part of an extensive lake district. These bodies of water illustrate the geological and landscape diversity of Europe.
Heart-shaped geographic formations result from natural processes including erosion, coral growth, and tectonic activity. These features appear in various landscape types, from islands and atolls to lakes and coastlines. The distinctive shape typically becomes apparent only from aerial perspectives, making these locations popular destinations for scenic flights and aerial photography. Examples occur worldwide: the Heart Reef within Australia's Great Barrier Reef, Galešnjak Island in Croatia's Adriatic Sea, and Lake Toyoni on Japan's Hokkaido Island. Additional formations exist in the waters of French Polynesia and along North American coastlines. These sites combine geological interest with their symbolic shape, attracting visitors who seek both natural environments and the opportunity to witness these formations from above.
Chiesa della Madonna del Lago
662 m
Hermitage of Sant'Egidio
1.2 km
Chiesa di Santa Maria della Valle
2.3 km
Sant'Eustachio
2.3 km
Rocca di Villalago
2.9 km
Fontana Sarracco
2.3 km
Chiesa della Madonna di Costantinopoli
2.3 km
Palazzo di Rienzo
2.3 km
Fontana del Pisciarello
2.2 km
Palazzo Serafini
2.2 km
Sant'Antonio da Padova
2.1 km
Chiesa della Madonna di Loreto
2.7 km
Museo della lana
2.6 km
San Rocco
2.3 km
Palazzo De Angelis
2.4 km
Madonna delle Grazie
2.4 km
San Giovanni Battista
2.4 km
Palazzo Mosca
2.3 km
Chiesa della Madonna Addolorata
2.9 km
Sant'Antonio Abate
2.4 km
Chiesa delle Anime Sante
2.3 km
Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie
2.5 km
Vecchio municipio
2.8 km
Museo delle arti e tradizioni popolari
1.3 km
San Michele Arcangelo
1.5 km
Palazzo Serafini-Ciancarelli
2.4 km
Museo delle tradizioni del lavoro
2.7 km
Palazzo Colarossi
2.4 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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