Lake Barrea (Lago di Barrea) is located in the National Park of Abruzzo (Parco nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise), in the valley between the mountains of the Genzana (2070 m) and Monti della Meta (2242 m). This is not the largest and perhaps not the most impressive Italian lake. Its purpose is different: it heals people from the bustle of the civilized world. The three components of Barrea Therapy are:
- Beauty treatment: pacifying landscapes reveal the secret of peace of mind;
- Nature treatment: this reserved corner remains the native home for wild animals, their life is revealed by the evening howl of wolves and the trumpet call of deer, and the "club-footed bear" does not live here in pictures;
- Kindness treatment: locals have hospitality and nobility.
History reference
Lago di Barrea is a man-made lake, exists since 1951, and the history of villages on its coast totals about 3 millennia.
Monuments of the past
Residents of coastal communes: Barrea, Viletta Barrea, Civitella Alfedena and now recognize themselves as descendants of the legendary Samnites. What you should definitely see:
- Excavated necropolis of the 7th century BC, where you can learn about the intricacies of the funeral rite of the ancient Italians.
- The structure of the village of Barrea, which has grown uphill at an altitude of 1070 m, demonstrates the methods of fortification of the inhabitants of the valley in the fight against numerous enemies. A blank defensive wall protected houses not only from enemy attacks, but also from cold winds.
- Medieval temples - the Church of the Apostle Thomas and the Benevolent Mother of God, the Norman tower of the X-XI centuries, the fortress of Benedictine monks, the castle of the feudal lords Sangro - were destroyed more than once by war and earthquakes. Now they are carefully restored, open to all who are interested in the history of Italy.
How Lake Barrea Originated
Barrea Lake is an artificial reservoir that arose after the construction of the dam on the Sangro River. It descends from the snowy peaks of the Monti della Meta massif, feeds on meltwater and carries them to the Adriatic Sea. The first project to block this mountain river appeared in 1922 and met with resistance: waterlogging of the valley, malaria, the death of rare plants, damage to the economy - these were the arguments of the opponents of construction.
The author of the new project, engineer Carlo Davis, sent the waters of a blocked river through a system of locks to the basin of Borrea. So instead of a swamp in the valley appeared a wonderful lake 5 km long, 500 m wide and 30 m deep. It blends seamlessly with the nature of the reserve and is attractive to tourists at all times of the year.
Leisure opportunities
The surroundings of Lake Barrea is an ecotourism area with a package of offers for outdoor activities.
On the water
Canoes, pedal boats, boats are used to explore the hidden corners of the reservoir. White and gray herons, cranes, mallards, wagtails and kingfishers are excellent objects for birdwatching, photo hunting. And giant carps are for photo fishing. Having admired and photographed with the caught specimen, you have to let him go home: in the reserve there are their own rules for relations with nature. Camping Colle Ciglio on the lake offers camping and 24-hour communication with the healing nature of the lake.
On the land
Horse, bicycle and hiking trails lead into forests and mountains to touch the secret life of the surrounding fauna and flora. In spring, rare species are found in aromatic herbs: yellow and black orchid Venus slipper, spectacular, but dangerous with its blue berries curly lily, Apennine iris, "silver star of rocks" edelweiss.
Animal watching
Deer grazing peacefully at dawn can be seen even from the hotel window. But in order to see how sparkling chamois — the acrobat Apennine — scrambles over the rocks, it is necessary to go more than one kilometer through the mossy beech thickets and thickets of mountain pine. But the real owner of the vicinity of the lake is a wolf, and in the village of Civitela Alpheden is the Museum of the Italian wolf, several copies of which live here in aviaries. Excursions in the wake of the Martian bears are also very popular among tourists in this place.
Close communication with the natural world has a beneficial effect, which was noted by many tourists here.
How to get there
They get to the healing lake of Lago di Barrea only by car, you can rent it on the website: auto.italy4.me.
From Rome Train Station (Roma Termini) the route will be:
- Exit onto Viale dello Scalo S. Lorenzo and follow the A24 motorway for 4.5 km;
- On the A24, E45 and SR214 roads, get to Castelliri - 101 km;
- Take Routes SR666 and SR509 to the local road Strada Statale 83 Marsicana (SS83) in the direction of Barrea - 65 km.
Total travel time - 2 hours. 38 minutes, distance - 170 km.
From Pescara Airport the route will be shorter: 1 hour 55 minutes, 140 km. All details of the routes can be clarified by looking at Google maps.
Hotels
The staff of all hotels around Lake Barrea is famous for the ability not only to fulfill the wishes of customers, but also to warn them. From the first minutes it relieves stress from being in an unfamiliar place. We have selected the best hotels for you based on tourist reviews.
3 stars
La poiana
The advantages of La Poiana are the proximity of the lake (300 m) and the color of the farmhouse of the 18th century. The rooms are decorated with dark wood furniture. A constant overview of the picturesque mountains and landscapes of the lake at different times of the day, homemade cakes for breakfast and lunch from rare dishes of local cuisine - all this the hotel offers its guests.
Hotel Degli Olmi
Hotel Degli Olmi is located in Viletta Barrea, where hiking trails start. There is everything for outdoor activities: a fitness center, an indoor and outdoor pool, a children's playground. Buffet in the morning, half board option, free parking. Pets are not allowed.
Apartments
Residence Orto di Venanzio
Residence Orto di Venanzio is 1.5 km from the lake. Nearby there is a supermarket, market, cafe and restaurant. The rooms have a kitchen with stove and fridge, shower rooms. Fireplaces create a cozy atmosphere in the rooms. It offers barbecue rentals and free parking. The special atmosphere makes the hotel a second home for customers who want to return here again.
If you are tired of life and lose your peace of mind, then you need to come here, remember - Italy, Abruzzo, Lago di Barrea.
