Isola Santa: Discover the Lake, Mountains and History

Lake, mountains and a multifaceted history

Isola Santa combines an artificial lake with an unusually rich local history. The lake of Isola Santa is an artificial lake created by damming the Torrente Turrite Secca at a dam built in 1948–49. The Church of San Jacopo is mentioned in 1260 and has since been deconsecrated. For a trip that brings together landscape and the past, Isola Santa therefore offers two clearly tangible points of connection.

Water engineering and historical traces

The creation of the lake also shaped the history of the place. The hydroelectric dam built in 1949 submerged the remains of the old Mulino Mosceta. Isola Santa also lay on a road connecting the Garfagnana with Versilia. Those interested in landscapes shaped by human intervention and former transport links will find concrete stories here rather than mere scenery.

From an easy stroll to a hiking trail

Hiking trails lead from Isola Santa to Monte Corchia. For a more leisurely outing, there is an easy walking path along the right bank of the lake to Pollaccia. Pollaccia is one of the important springs in the Apuan Alps. Isola Santa also has a specially regulated fishing area used by numerous anglers to catch brown trout. This makes it possible to combine days by the water, a walk and longer hikes according to your own interests.

Mountain landscapes in the surrounding area

The surrounding area of Isola Santa is home to Pizzo delle Saette, Monte Sumbra, Monte Pania della Croce and Pania Secca. Those who choose a holiday apartment in Isola Santa can focus on trails and mountain landscapes or combine nature experiences with the area's historical themes.

Discover archaeology and culture

Isola Santa's past reaches far back. Archaeological excavations revealed an open-air settlement that was inhabited during the late Paleolithic and subsequently during the Mesolithic. The surrounding area of Isola Santa is also home to the Pretorio Palace, the Museo Archeologico Versiliese “b. Antonucci”, the Galleria Petrarte and the Barbara Paci Galleria d'Arte. In addition to lakes and mountains, this opens up a cultural perspective: you can combine your stay with archaeological traces, historic buildings and art.

Getting there and choosing your accommodation

Isola Santa can be reached by car, followed by a short walk. The village is also accessible by public transport: take the train to Castelnuovo Garfagnana and then bus E36 to Isola Santa. When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday house, the way you would like to plan your days is therefore a particularly useful starting point. If you would like to combine the lake, walking paths, hiking trails, mountain landscapes and history in one trip, Isola Santa may be an interesting choice of destination. Accommodation on site can be tailored to your own plans, without having to commit to just one type of holiday.

Discover more places

If you would like to get to know another place for your travel planning in addition to Isola Santa, you can also discover Pierdiscini.

To the higher-level travel overview: Careggine.