Lago Arancio, lake in Sicily
Lago Arancio is an artificial lake in the province of Agrigento in Sicily, created by a dam built across the Carboj River. The lake covers about 400 hectares and can hold up to 32 million cubic meters of water, surrounded by forests and rocky gorges.
The lake was built between 1949 and 1952 as an important project for water management and irrigation in the region. The area has deeper historical roots: the Arab fortress Mazzallakkar, built in the 9th century, sometimes emerges when water levels drop.
The name 'Arancio' comes from the Arabic word for orange, reflecting the region's long period under Arab rule. Today, visitors come to observe birds and experience how the landscape changes with the seasons.
The lake is accessible from multiple entry points, with walking paths and picnic areas around the shores. Spring and fall are ideal for visiting when many bird species pass through, though wildlife can be observed throughout the year.
When water levels drop, the ruins of the 9th-century Arab fortress Mazzallakkar become visible beneath the surface. This submerged archaeological site emerges about six months per year, offering a rare glimpse into the region's medieval past.
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