About Abruzzo

Monthly Archive: January 2023

Lago Barrea and mountains 1

Mountains / Province of L'Aquila

Lago Barrea

For me, one thing distinguishes Lago Barrea from all the other lakes in Abruzzo:  it’s the only one I’ve actually swum in. I’m not a fan of bathing in lakes. I’m squeamish about muddy bottoms. Not to mention murky water and what might be lurking there.  I blame it on growing up in a country of lochs where monsters are known to thrive. So it took a lot to get me into this lake.  It took a hot, sweaty day on the road and a great longing to wash away a layer of travel dust.  It took the inviting glossy perfection of the lake itself. And it helped that...

San Domenico lake and hermitage from bridge 3

Mountains / Province of L'Aquila

San Domenico Lake

A peaceful green place Tinted by the algae under its shimmering surface and reflecting the foliage around its shores, it’s a study in green. No wonder it’s also known as the emerald lake. Officially, this lake is named after San Domenico, whom we’ve already met. He’s the Benedictine monk whose statue, draped in writhing snakes, is borne aloft in Cocullo every year in the May procession. The lake is named after him because he set up his hermitage here around the year 1000. At that time there would have just been the Sagittario River flowing through the gorge. The artificial lake was formed in the early twentieth century when...