This Is Italy
Lake Vico (Lago di Vico) is a lake in the crater of an extinct volcano. Other well-known crater gauge in Italy are the More from Bracciano, Lake Bolsena and Lake Albano.
The lake is located in the Lago di Vico Natural Park, about an hour's drive north of Rome, in the Lazio. With a height of 510 meters, the lake is the highest of all the larger Italian lakes. On the north side, Lake Vico is bordered by the Monte Cimini.
In summer you can relax by the lake with a rented sun bed and umbrella. Or you can go out on the water with a pedal boat or a canoe or kayak. There is plenty to do on the beaches around the lake.
There are also several accommodations at the lake, but you will not find the crowds around here even in high season Italy's more famous lakes.
However, the area surrounding the lake is also perfect for hiking, mountain biking, motorcycle or (if necessary) car rides.
This is how Lake Vico was created
Legend has it that the lake was created by Hercules, by waving his stick. In reality, the crater of a volcano that died out 100.000 years ago formed the basin. Torrential rains and underground springs did the rest.
For many millennia, the lake was an even greater size than today's 13 km2. The water was almost to the rim of the crater, until the Etruscans lowered the water level of the lake.
We know that there is an artificially dug underground canal that lowered the water level about 20 meters. It is not certain whether the Etruscans built this canal all by themselves. It may have been the Romans who turned it into a true example of water management.
Regardless, it is certain that the level of the lake was lowered prior to the construction of the Imperial Period Cassia Cimina. The Farnese family finally restored the canal around 1500. This is how the current Rio Vicano was created.
Even now it is clearly visible how high the water must have once been, since the shape of the crater is clearly visible. The Monte Venere (835 m) even once formed an island in the lake.
Rich flora and fauna
The north side of the lake now consists of swampy area, where cattle still graze. In the swampy parts you will find a lot of reeds and also hazelnut orchards.
The swamp is also a perfect place for a rich variety of birdlife, including various species of ducks, grebes, heron, coots, moorhens, snipe, black-tailed godwits, lapwings and more. Bird watchers will enjoy themselves here!
The birds are hunted in the winter season by the marsh harrier and other birds of prey. And carp anglers pay attention: very fat monsters swim here!
The artificial lowering of the water level resulted in fertile soil in ancient times. Communities of farmers and shepherds settled here.
The lake now covers an area of almost 13 square kilometers. It has a circumference of 18 km, an average depth of 22,2 meters and reaches a maximum depth of 49,5 meters.
In order to protect the ecosystem of the lake as a whole and the quality of drinking water, the use of boats with an internal combustion engine is prohibited.
Sightseeing at Lake Vico
Lake Vico has a peaceful environment, of which nature is the main attraction.
The nearest large town is Viterbo about 15 km from the lake. Smaller places around the lake include Lake Point, Ronciglione, San Martino al Cimino, San Rocco en Caprarola.
Caprarola is located on the eastern shore of the lake. Here you will find the pentagonal Villa Farnese of the famous Farnese family from the 16th century.
This palace also has large gardens that are open to the public. This Villa Farnese is sometimes confused with 2 palazzos in Rome, one of which is the French embassy.
The main building is a fine example of the late Renaissance and contains numerous frescoes. You can visit this museum. There is also an outbuilding that serves as one of the residences of the Italian president.
Many people go hiking in the surrounding natural park. The surroundings of the Cimini hills and Monte Fogliano (965 m) offer a great experience for all types of hikers. But you can also take beautiful routes here by motorbike or bicycle.
Are you here on holiday with children? Then is Aquapark Fontevivola in Fonte Vivola a must. Here you can relax at the pool, while the children have fun on the slides.
San Martino al Cimino is located along the famous pilgrimage route Via Francigena. You can visit the Cistercian Abbey here.
San Martino al Cimino is only 6 km from Viterbo, which has a beautiful medieval center. Special is the Macchina di Santa Rosa, the tower that is rebuilt every 5 years, in honor of Santa Rosa, the patron saint of the city. Also worth seeing are the medieval quarter of San Pellegrino and the papal residence of Palazzo dei Papi. If you are a lover of gardens, then you should visit the 16th-century Villa Lante with its beautifully landscaped garden in bagnaia, just outside Viterbo.
Staying at Lake Vico
Lake Vico is not a tourist paradise like Lake Garda, and therefore attractive to some tourists. Below are a few tips for a pleasant stay.
Are you a nature and camping lover? Then you're good Camp Nature in Caprarola, on the northeastern shore of the lake,
Camping Natura is a quiet campsite close to Lake Vico, with a number of nice villages in the immediate vicinity. You can also make beautiful cycling and walking tours from the campsite.
Not much of a camper, but do you want to stay right on the lake? Then 3-star hotel Relais Sans Souci and Spa in Ronciglione a must.
Located not far from Camping Natura and a 2-minute drive from the lake shore La Valle di Vico, an agriturismo and b&b, which receives high ratings from visitors.
Have you ever been to Lake Vico? We'd love to hear your experiences!
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