Alleghe lake

LAKE ALLEGHE AND ITS HISTORY
Legend has it that the church of Alleghe was only partially destroyed, while the bell tower collapsed completely, swept away by the enormous wave, and the bells disappeared into the deep depths of the lake.
According to the legend, you can still catch a glimpse of the tip of the submerged bell tower on certain days when the waters are particularly clear, even though original documents from the time state that only a large part of the church was affected by the collapse and that the bell tower remained intact.
On the night of 11th January 1771 part of Monte Piz collapsed, creating a huge landslide that blocked the Cordevole River as it flowed down the valley.
The rocks and debris, deposited where the village of Masaré is located today, prevented the waters from flowing any further, creating a natural basin that we know as Lake Alleghe. The villages of Riete, Marin and Fusine were swept away and buried by the landslide which took the lives of 49 people. Other neighbouring villages were submerged by water in just a couple of days.
A second, minor landslide occurred in May of the same year, collapsing into the newly formed lake and causing a wave that rose in the direction of the valley of the Zunaia stream.
It reached Alleghe, destroying the rectory, part of the church and a number of houses which had survived the first landslide. When Lake Alleghe was created in 1771, it was a lot larger than it is today, stretching as far as the village of Caprile. 
Over the years it has shrunk in size and today has a circumference of around 4.5 km.
In summer the calm waters of the lake, with its reflection of Alleghe and Monte Civetta, are gently moved by fishermen in their rowing boats. The best way to appreciate its beauty and the many colours of its waters is to go on a walk along the lakeside or take the circular tour on foot or bike. 

In summer the lake is a deep green colour, in autumn the shades become more intense until the lake ices over in winter, with a sparkling white covering. In fact, up to the Seventies, when the “A. De Toni” ice rink was built, Alleghe Hockey used the lake as its open-air arena.

Webcams

Directions

Consorzio Operatori Turistici Alleghe Caprile

[email protected]
+39 0437 523333

C.so Italia 36, 32022 Alleghe (BL)
Cortina Alleghe Arabba Cadore Canale d'Agordo Falcade Marmolada San Vito di Cadore Val di Zoldo
Sign up for our Newsletter
Sede legale: C.so Italia, 36 32022 Alleghe (BL) - P.IVA 00695010256