Barcis, Artificial reservoir in Valcellina, Italy
Barcis is a reservoir in the Valcellina valley within the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of northern Italy. The water sits at an elevation of 402 meters and is framed by wooded slopes and rock walls that drop down to the shoreline.
The dam was built in the mid-20th century to generate hydroelectric power and control flooding. The structure changed the landscape of the Cellina valley and created a new habitat for waterfowl.
The name Barcis comes from Latin and recalls the Celtic settlement of these mountain valleys. The village on the shore has kept its stone architecture and shows through its narrow lanes the building style of the pre-alpine region.
The road along the lake offers several parking areas and access to the water for canoes and small sailboats. Hiking trails begin at the northern shore and lead into the surrounding forests and mountain paths.
Beneath the water surface lie remains of old bridges and stone walls from the time before the flooding. During low water levels in late summer these structures become partly visible and attract divers.
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