Places
Hike·Easy·Scenic·Hidden gem
Piana del Fucino, Celano
Abruzzo
Lago Fucino was the third-largest lake in Italy until 1875 when Prince Alessandro Torlonia drained it to create agricultural land — the most ambitious hydraulic project of the 19th century. 44 km² of lake became flat potato fields. The Torlonia family still owns the plain. Roman drainage tunnels from 52 AD (Emperor Claudius) run beneath — Claudius held a naval battle here before draining it.
Duration
3 hours
Distance
8 km
Elevation
+100 m
Best season
Year-round
Highlights
- World's largest 19th-century lake drainage
- Roman Emperor Claudius drained it in 52 AD
- Naval battle staged before draining
With your dog
Open plain; dogs welcome.
