Lago Ampollino, Reservoir in Calabria, Italy
Lago Ampollino is a reservoir in Calabria at 1,278 meters elevation, stretching across about 5.59 square kilometers between the provinces of Catanzaro, Cosenza, and Crotone. The water feeds three hydroelectric power stations that supply irrigation for the upper Marchesato Crotonese plain.
The reservoir was built in 1926 by the Southern Electric Company to harness hydroelectric power from the Sila region's water streams. The project was part of early twentieth-century industrial development in Calabria.
The annual Ampollino Sound Festival takes place each August near Villaggio Palumbo, drawing musicians and visitors from across Italy. The event has become an important gathering for the local region.
The lake sits high in the mountains and is easiest to reach during summer months when roads are clear. Visitors should prepare for changeable mountain weather and bring suitable footwear for uneven paths.
The reservoir connects to nearby Lago Arvo, forming together an important wetland habitat that supports various fish populations. Trout and other species thrive in these cool mountain waters.
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