The beautiful but spooky European village that is entirely under water

By Mieka Smiles, News Reporter

A belltower that seems otherwordly rises from Lake Resia (Image: Getty)

From sunken boats to hidden treasures, deep waters can hide all kinds of mysteries. But one Italian lake takes that to new extremes - as it conceals an entire village.

Lake Resia, in the north of the country, is perhaps best known for the church steeple which emerges from its waters. It became the inspiration for the Netflix show, "Curon".

And in 2021, when the lake was temporarily drained for maintenance, locals were able to see the final traces of Curon, the village once home to hundreds before it was flooded to create a hydroelectric plant in 1950.

Lake Resia is located in South Tyrol, the Alpine region in Italy that borders Austria and Switzerland.

In winter the lake freezes over to create a stunning vista (Image: Getty)

When the lake was emptied photos showed steps, cellars and walls and a local from the area - Luisa Azzolini - tweeted that it was a "strange feeling" to be able to walk around the rubble.

Several villages fell inside the reservoir plans. There were protests from local residents but along with the pretty village of Curon, Arlung, Piz and Gorf were also entirely flooded and submerged after the war.

More than 160 homes were submerged and 1,000 villagers displaced. The plan was created in 1940 and was designed to support a new hydroelectric plant.

During summer, tourists can rent kayaks or other boats to explore the lake or go kitesurfing in the mountains. In winter, snow activities are popular. 

In all seasons the lake makes a must-visit destination (Image: Getty)

Alex, Cassie and Emmy – a family who run a travel blog adventuresoface.com - visited the destination last month and wrote about their adventures.

They said: “Campanile Di Curon is a 14th century submerged church in the middle of Lake Reschen and truly amazing to witness in person.”

They added it was wonderful to visit “its ravishing surroundings”.

Visitors of the lake have also taken to travel review website Tripadvisor to share more about their experiences.

One said it was “mysteriously beautiful” and despite “quite a long journey” that they were “amazed” at the scenery.

Another tourist said: “Paradise. The most beautiful place I’ve visited. The water is emerald, the views include the famous bell tower and snowy mountains.”