Lago di Conza, reservoir in the Campania region of southern Italy
Lago di Conza is a reservoir in the Campania region of southern Italy, set in a valley between wooded hills. The water is bordered by flat shores where paths run along the edge, offering open views across the surface.
The reservoir was built after the 1980 earthquake that caused widespread destruction across Campania, as part of the reconstruction efforts for the affected areas. During construction, workers uncovered archaeological remains from the Roman settlement of Compsa beneath the valley floor.
The name Conza comes from the ancient settlement of Compsa, whose ruins lie close to the water's edge. Nearby villages still produce traditional ceramics and local cheeses that carry on crafts rooted in this part of Campania.
The lake is easiest to reach by car, with parking areas close to the shore. The paths along the water are flat and undemanding, so no special gear is needed for a walk around the edge.
Some of the Roman remains found during construction now lie beneath the water, making this one of the few places in Italy where an ancient settlement is literally submerged. The lake was created to serve the needs of the region after the earthquake, but it ended up covering part of what it had uncovered.
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