Ancient Italian Village Underwater Set to Reemerge

Fabbriche di Careggine: Italy’s Submerged Village

In the mountains of Central Italy lies the medieval village of Fabbriche di Careggine, which has been submerged underwater since the 1940s. Next year, this ghost village may finally resurface, offering a rare glimpse into its hidden history.

A panoramic shot of Lake Vagli and the valley around it
The village of Fabbriche di Careggine is currently sitting at the bottom of Lake Vagli, in Central Italy © Alessio Catelli / Shutterstock

The History of Fabbriche di Careggine

Dating back to the 13th century, Fabbriche di Careggine was once home to ironworkers. The village became a ghost town in 1947 when a dam was constructed on the Edron River, leading to the flooding of the area and the creation of Lake Vagli. Remarkably, the lake has only been drained four times since its formation, with the last occurrence occurring in 1994.

Upcoming Plans for the Village

Recent rumors suggest that there are plans to drain Lake Vagli once more to boost tourism in the region. The governing body of the dam indicated that they are considering this possibility, allowing the public to explore the submerged village of Fabbriche di Careggine. This would provide a unique opportunity to walk along streets typically submerged beneath 35 cubic meters of water.

Visitors walking along the streets of Fabbriche di Careggine
For a few months, with the lake emptied, the ghost village can be seen and visited, and people can walk along its streets © Atlantide Phototravel / Getty Images

The Tourist Attraction of 1994

During the last emptying of Lake Vagli in 1994, the once-submerged Fabbriche di Careggine attracted hundreds of tourists who came to witness this extraordinary phenomenon. If the lake is drained again, it is anticipated to become a significant attraction for travelers seeking unique experiences in Tuscany.

Staying Informed

While discussions about emptying Lake Vagli continue, no official timeline has been established. For those interested in this captivating development, it is advisable to follow updates from the local town of Vagli di Sotto’s official Facebook page.

As global travel restrictions ease, many places are beginning to open up, providing fresh opportunities for exploration and adventure.

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