San Benedetto Val di Sambro
About one hour from Bologna, in the heart of the Bolognese Apennines, the lake of Castel dell'Alpi is a natural reservoir, formed as a result of a large landslide that, in February 1951, broke away from the left side of the valley and blocked, just like a dam, the course of the Savena stream, here just 6 km long.
The village of Castel dell'Alpi, formerly located just on the left bank of the stream, was completely destroyed by this event, which, however, spared the church of San Biagio and its bell tower. Now the village has been partly rebuilt on the right bank of the lake, which has now become a welcome tourist destination, especially in summer.
The village of Castel dell'Alpi, formerly located just on the left bank of the stream, was completely destroyed by this event, which, however, spared the church of San Biagio and its bell tower. Now the village has been partly rebuilt on the right bank of the lake, which has now become a welcome tourist destination, especially in summer.
Nearby the village there are several historical buildings which are worth a visit: Picervara, Valdirosa, La Ca' e La Fossa.
This small lake is the only one among those in the province of Bologna to have formed naturally: in fact, Suviana, Brasimone and Santa Maria lakes are all artificial.
Since April 2024, a giant bench has been installed at Lake Castel dell'Alpi, which is part of the "Big Bench Community Project" circuit: it includes other "big benches" scattered throughout Italy, this one (number 337) is the official first of the Bolognese. There is also a circuit credential, thanks to which it is possible to collect a stamp for each "bench" visited.
Map
Castel dell'Alpi Lake
40048 San Benedetto Val di Sambro
