SHARRYLAND
Where is
What it is and where it is
Lake Canterno, the largest of Latium's karst lakes with an area of 0.6 sq. km, a perimeter of 4.9 km and a maximum depth of about 25 meters is the heart of the nature reserve that takes its name from it. Despite being located near busy provincial roads, it has managed to keep intact an almost surreal atmosphere, completely immersed in nature. Around its banks, an expanse of oaks, turkey oaks and broadleaf trees creates the perfect environment in which to retreat to a quiet and relaxing world.
Why it is special
The lake certainly provides fascinating landscapes, but the nature park offers so much more. For example, one can seek deeper emotions by going to visit the characteristic formations of the karst territories. The caves of Madonna della Stella, located on the western slope of the Mona, and that of Corniano, at the foot of the mountain of the same name, are certainly the most beautiful and significant; but it doesn't end there: you can also admire three sinkholes: Bocca di Patoni, Bocca di Puzziglio, and a short distance from this, at an altitude of 530 meters, the Bocca della Parata.
Not to be missed
Even for lovers of flora and fauna, there is no shortage of surprises: for starters, among the waters of the lake and the woods that surround them, there are many bird species that can be observed: grey heron, purple heron, magpie and moorhen are just a few of them. If you really want to make the most of your visit, you will come in late spring, when the flower fields surrounding the lake make the environment vibrant and full of color.
A bit of history
There are various hypotheses about its formation, the most credited of which dates it to the first decades of the nineteenth century, when in place of the present lake there was a cultivated plain and the waters of the "Cese" and "Diluvio" ditches flowed through it until they flowed into a sinkhole known as "the Pertuso." This began to become obstructed by the materials conveyed by the increasing influx of natural debris, so that the waters began to collect into a lake. It was in 1821 that the basin was completely filled, so that the inhabitants, having lost their fields, had to turn to fishing.
Trivia
Lake Canterno has also been called "Ghost Lake." This is because sometimes, in a totally unpredictable manner, it would empty and then fill up again. This was due to the disintegration or accumulation of wooden and debris material at its mouth. In 1943, the first exploration of the Pertuso was made possible and it was discovered that it communicated with an underground cave, one of many karst cavities in the area. Today the lake has been stabilized in order to harness the motion of its waters for hydroelectric power generation.
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