This is a beautiful area rich in wildlife, popular with walkers with many footpaths around the lake. Lago di Vagli is in fact a manmade lake created by the ENEL electricity company when they built the nearby dam. They needed to flood the valley in order to provide hydro electricity to the surrounding area, which meant the inhabitants of the village of Fabbriche di Careggine had to be re-housed nearby. Every ten years the lake is drained for repairs and to allow maintenance work to be carried out. As the waters recede the village rises from the lake watched by locals and tourists alike who are then able to wander around the remains of the church and village buildings. It is also known as ‘Paese Fantasma’ (ghost village) and some say that there have been strange events and that miracles have taken place since the village was flooded. The next date for the lake to be drained is in 2014. However, it is possible to see the church tower when the water level is low. Boats can be hired from the village of Vagli Sotto and directions will be given on how to find the hidden village.
Location: North West of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana.