Resia Lake Bell Tower Italy 7 Secrets Curon Sunken Village

🌍 Introduction to Curon and Resia Lake

In the quiet alpine region of South Tyrol, Northern Italy, lies one of the most haunting and surreal landmarks in Europe — the Resia Lake Bell Tower. Standing alone in the middle of a turquoise artificial lake, the tower is the only visible remnant of the sunken village of Curon Venosta, a community deliberately flooded in 1950 to create a hydroelectric reservoir.

This tower has become both a symbol of resilience and one of Italy’s most photographed offbeat destinations.

📖 History of the Sunken Village

• Before 1950: Curon Venosta was a thriving alpine village with homes, churches, and farmlands.
• Hydroelectric Project: The Italian government approved plans to merge two natural lakes (Reschensee and Mittersee) into one massive reservoir.
• Flooding: Over 160 homes and 1,200 hectares of farmland were submerged. The church tower (built in the 14th century) remained.
• Displacement: 150 families were forced to relocate. Some still mourn the loss of their ancestral lands.

Today, only the bell tower of the church of St. Katharina remains visible above the waterline.

🧚 Legends and Myths

Locals claim that on winter nights, the bells still ring from the tower, even though they were removed decades ago. This myth has fueled ghost stories and inspired writers, filmmakers, and even Netflix’s “Curon” series (2020).

🚗 How to Reach Resia Lake Bell Tower

• By Car: Drive from Bolzano or Innsbruck (approx. 2–3 hours). Parking is available by the lake.
• Public Transport: Buses connect from Malles Venosta railway station.
• Best Route: Take the Reschen Pass road, offering panoramic views of the Alps.

🌄 Things to Do Around Resia Lake

1. Photography: The tower looks stunning in all seasons — summer turquoise, autumn gold, winter frozen lake.
2. Walking Trail: A 15 km lakeside path perfect for cycling, hiking, or casual strolls.
3. Winter Sports: Ice skating and snowkiting on the frozen lake.
4. Boat Tours: In summer, small boats circle the bell tower.
5. Curon Memorial: Visit the memorial dedicated to displaced villagers.

☀️ Best Time to Visit

• Summer: Clear reflections of the tower, mild weather.
• Autumn: Fewer tourists, golden alpine scenery.
• Winter: Lake freezes, allowing visitors to walk up to the tower.
• Spring: Snowmelt creates dramatic landscapes but chilly winds.

🏨 Where to Stay Nearby

• Hotel Edelweiss (Resia): Lakeside hotel with panoramic tower views.
• Gasthof Zum Hirschen (Sluderno): Historic inn with traditional Tyrolean food.
• Alpine B&Bs: Family-run guesthouses offering cozy stays.

🍝 Food & Drink

• Speck (Smoked Ham): South Tyrolean specialty.
• Knödel (Dumplings): Comfort food of the Alps.
• Local Wines: Try Lagrein and Gewürztraminer varieties.

🗓️ Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Resia → Photograph the Bell Tower → Dinner at a local inn.
Day 2: Cycle the Resia Lake trail → Visit Curon memorial → Explore Val Venosta castles.
Day 3: Day trip to Swiss Engadin Valley or Austrian Tyrol.

🎥 Pop Culture Connection

• Featured in the Netflix series “Curon” (2020).
• Appeared in Italian novels, art installations, and documentaries.
• Considered a symbol of loss and rebirth in modern media.

🗺️ Hidden Nearby Attractions

• Glurns (Glorenza): A perfectly preserved medieval walled town.
• Marienberg Abbey: One of the highest Benedictine monasteries in Europe.
• Ortler Alps: Stunning hiking and climbing routes.

💰 Travel Tips

• Drone Friendly: But check local restrictions.
• Best Hack: Stay overnight in Resia for sunrise/sunset shots.
• Language: Locals speak German, Italian, and Ladin.

❓ FAQs about Resia Lake Bell Tower

Q1: Can you walk to the bell tower?
A: Yes, in winter when the lake freezes.

Q2: Are there guided tours?
A: Yes, local guides offer history walks around the lake.

Q3: Is the bell tower real?
A: Yes, built in the 14th century; only the tower remains after the flood.

Q4: Can you swim in Lake Resia?
A: Swimming is allowed but the water is cold even in summer.

Q5: Why was Curon village destroyed?
A: To build a hydroelectric reservoir in 1950.

📌 Internal & External Links

• Must Visit: Iceland hidden canyon guides and La Monja Island post.
• Source: South Tyrol Tourism, Netflix Curon.