Lago della Duchessa, Alpine lake in Borgorose, Italy

Lago della Duchessa is a mountain lake of glacial origin at 1788 metres in the Montagne della Duchessa reserve, in the municipality of Borgorose. It lies in a high basin between the rock walls of Murolungo and the slopes of Monte Morrone and the Costone-Uccettu group. It measures 400 metres by 150 metres, has no inflow streams, and its shape suggests the ancient merging of two dolines.

The mountains surrounding the lake were named in the sixteenth century to honor Margaret of Austria, who held the title of Duchess of Parma and Piacenza. This naming reflects the historical connection between Italian mountain regions and European noble families of that era.

The name Duchessa comes from the surrounding mountains, named in the 16th century by the Bolognese Francesco De Marchi after Margherita d'Austria, Duchess of Parma, Piacenza and of the Duchy of Leonessa and Cittaducale. In summer the lake serves as a watering place for herds and flocks.

The water level fluctuates significantly with the seasons, so visitors should plan their trips accordingly. The best time for hiking is from early summer through early autumn, when mountain trail access is safest.

The lake provides habitat for the crested newt at one of its highest recorded elevations in the Lazio region. These amphibians are adapted to cold, clean mountain waters and indicate the ecological health and importance of this protected location.