Scanno: an ancient Italian village with a heart-shaped lake
An Ancient Italian Village with a Heart-Shaped Lake
In less than a 2 hours’ drive east of Rome, you’ll find yourself in the ancient village of Scanno. At the base of the village you'll discover its heart-shaped lake.
Scanno is located in the rustic region of Abruzzo. The village is nestled along the edge of the small valley. It is surrounded by the Marsciani mountains and the forests along the edge of the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise, (PNALM). This beautiful park is one of the oldest parks in Italy. It's filled with wildlife and unspoiled beauty.
Lago di Scanno, located at the base of the village, is a heart-shaped lake colored a beautiful blue green. The lake is worth a visit for many reasons I will mention.
However, the ancient village itself, which holds a nostalgia seemingly unaffected by time, is the unique draw to the area. In fact, its timeless beauty has been attracting photographers for decades.
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Ancient Village of Scanno
One of the Most Beautiful Villages of Italy
The ancient village of Scanno is known as one of the most beautiful villages of Italy—uno dei borghi più belli d'Italia.
It is nestled in the side of the mountains creating an idyllic setting. The view is gorgeous and the village itself seems nearly untouched by time. Perhaps this is why so many photographers travel here to take these breathtaking photos.
What to do in Scanno
There are plenty of things to do in Scanno. Visiting local shops and eateries are always fun and support the community.
However, simply wandering through the old village and taking in the ancient homes and picturesque, narrow alleys is really all the entertainment one needs. One can truly appreciate the mix of architecture from Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods.
Locals are often seen enjoying the views and appreciating their ancient heritage as well. You will find many of them gathering together in small piazze or sitting outside their doorsteps having a chat.
You might also see a stray gatto or two wanting to accompany you on your stroll throughout the village.
The food found in Scanno is simple and humble cucina povera. Dishes made from poor ingredients like legumes and vegetables are common.
Lamb is the most popular main course. Arrosticini are one of the classic lamb dishes from Abruzzo. Skewered pieces of lamb are often dipped in spicy olive oil made from pepperoncini. This oil is typically drizzled onto toasted pieces of bread paired with the meat.
The village festival of il Catenaccio, or Ju Catenacce in local dialect, happens every year on the fourteenth of August. This festival consists of a wedding procession in traditional Scanno clothing. Locals dress in traditional clothes and parade through the town re-enacting a wedding procession.
Heart-Shaped Lago di Scanno
Lake Scanno, Lago di Scanno, is a very unique heart-shaped lake. The color is a blue green that seems to nearly glow due to the algae that grows beneath its surface.
This intriguing, natural lake was formed by a landslide that occurred over one thousand years ago. The resulting shape was that of a heart and it is now considered one of the most romantic lakes in the area.
Lago di Scanno is truly is a hidden gem.
What to do at Lake Scanno
Water Activities
Lake Scanno offers a variety of things to do in nature. Swimming and water sports are in abundance.
You can rent a paddle boat or a canoe and float along the lake taking in the views of the surrounding mountains. This is a lot of fun with kids.
The beach area is also nice if you prefer to simply relax along the shore or take a swim.
Relaxing
Near the base of Lake Scanno, there is a restaurant and bar with a lovely outdoor patio where you can enjoy a bite to eat or enjoy a drink while taking in the unique views around you.
Exploring and a View
There are also nature and bike trails to explore if you prefer more of an adventure.
Perhaps the greatest attraction to the area is the famous hike, Path of the Heart (Sentiero del Cuore). The trail starts along the shores of the lake and leads you up along the mountain past the Hermitage of Sant’Egidio. You will arrive to a breathtaking view of the lake where you can admire its heart shape from above.
Nella Natura al Lago di San Domenico
Another Hidden Gem
To say that il Lago di San Domenico is nella natura is quite the understatement. This small lake near Lago di Scanno is another little gem.
If you’d like to visit, you can park along the road (do be careful crossing it) and make your way across the bridge where you will see the hermitage of San Domenico. During the 15th century it was converted into the chapel.
San Domenico was a Benedictine monk who set up a hermitage here in the year 1000. At that time, the Sagittario river would have simply been flowing through the gorge in the valley.
However, during the twentieth century, a dam was built forming the artificial lake that now exists. If the water is low enough, you will even see remnants of the old bridge just under the surface of the water.
Picnic Surrounded by Peace
It's a quiet, peaceful spot for a picnic. Just past the hermitage, along the lake’s shore, there are picnic tables, bbqs, and a small play area for children to play. It is a peaceful spot to stop and rest awhile.
When I was living in Rome and my children were small, we made several day trips to this area. We always had an amazing time in this nearly hidden destination surrounded by nature.
There’s even a simple pathway around the lake to take a nice walk for a better view of the hermitage.
Visit Scanno
Again, if you have an extended stay in the area around Rome, this is a great destination for a day trip out of the city and into nature. I highly recommend that you visit Scanno.
The main tourist sights throughout this lovely country can be wonderful to visit. But, many of the greatest adventures happen when you get off the beaten path in Italy.
Find a spot like Scanno and experience the heritage and culture it has to offer.
Le avventure arrivano!