Reschensee, Artificial lake in Graun im Vinschgau, Italy
Reschensee is a reservoir in Graun im Vinschgau, South Tyrol, stretching roughly 6.6 kilometers with a width reaching one kilometer at certain points. A church tower from the former village rises from the water, becoming partially accessible on foot when levels drop and serving as the most recognizable feature of the basin.
Between 1947 and 1949, a dam project created the present water body, flooding the old center of Curon completely. Only the 14th-century tower remained above the surface, marking where the village once stood.
The reservoir takes its name from Reschen, a village south of the water, while the tower now appears on regional postcards and acts as a landmark for travelers crossing the area. Walkers and cyclists follow the shore path that circles the water, stopping at viewpoints where the structure in the lake becomes a focal point for photographs.
During summer, kitesurfers take advantage of winds sweeping across the open water, while winter brings ice sailors when the surface freezes over. The shore path remains open year-round and suits walks in different weather conditions.
When water levels drop in late summer, the old church steps leading up to the tower become visible and allow direct access to the structure. These moments attract visitors who want to view the submerged heritage up close.
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