loading ...Lake Vico (Italian Lago di Vico) is a volcanic lake in the northern Lazio region, central Italy. It is one of the highest major Italian lakes, with an altitude of 510 m. Administratively, it is part of the municipalities of Caprarola and Ronciglione.
The lake is surrounded by the Cimini Hills, in particular by the Fogliano (965 m) and Venere (851 m) mountains. It is part of the Lake Vico Natural Reserve.
According to legend, the lake was created by Hercules, who defied the local inhabitants to wield his club. When he did this, a stream sprung up and formed the lake. The lake is in fact a result of the past volcanic activity of Lazio, originating some 100,000 years ago when an extinguished crater was flooded. Before the construction of a tunnel by the Etruscans, the lake was probably deeper than today, the Monte Venere constituting an island within it.
The lake is drained by the River Vicano.
The area is famous for its extensive beech forest, which is one of the most southerly in Europe. The elevation, plus the surrounding sides of the crater, create cool enough conditions for the continued survival of the trees. A large part of the northern side of the crater is a nature reserve to protect this forest.
Seaside holiday
Mountain holiday
Lake holidays
Wellness holiday
Ski holiday
Art and culture holiday
Nature holiday
Fun holiday
Working holiday