About Abruzzo

Tagged: Barrea

2

Mountains / Province of L'Aquila

Scanno Lake

It happened on a winter’s night One dark and stormy night, so the legend goes, a traveller was on his way by donkey-drawn cart to Scanno. In the village of Villalago a family offered him hospitality and (I’m sure of it) a bowl of steaming pasta e fagioli. But in spite of the worsening weather he decided to press on.  Who knows, perhaps he was driven by the image of his own cosy hearth and the pale, anxious faces of his wife and small children as they awaited his return. Or maybe he was just one of those stubborn individuals who never realize when they’re on a winning streak....

Lago Barrea and mountains 1

Mountains / Province of L'Aquila

Lago Barrea

For me, one thing distinguishes Lago Barrea from all the other lakes in Abruzzo:  it’s the only one I’ve actually swum in. I’m not a fan of bathing in lakes. I’m squeamish about muddy bottoms. Not to mention murky water and what might be lurking there.  I blame it on growing up in a country of lochs where monsters are known to thrive. So it took a lot to get me into this lake.  It took a hot, sweaty day on the road and a great longing to wash away a layer of travel dust.  It took the inviting glossy perfection of the lake itself. And it helped that...