Isola Santa: Lake, Mountains and Traces of History

Isola Santa combines an artificial lake with archaeological traces, a deconsecrated church, hiking trails to Monte Corchia and mountains in the surrounding area. The history of Isola Santa includes the Church of San Jacopo, the excavations and the road between Garfagnana and Versilia. Those who wish to combine lakeside scenery, mountain trails and local history can choose between the path to Pollaccia, the trails to Monte Corchia and the area's cultural and historical traces.

Lake and Historical Traces

The lake at Isola Santa is an artificial lake. It was created by damming the Torrente Turrite Secca at a dam built in 1948–49. The hydroelectric dam constructed in 1949 flooded the remains of the old Mulino Mosceta. The present-day lake is therefore connected both with the technical transformation of the landscape and with an older structure.

The Church of San Jacopo in Isola Santa is mentioned in 1260 and is now deconsecrated. Archaeological excavations in Isola Santa also revealed an open-air settlement that was inhabited during the late Palaeolithic and subsequently in the Mesolithic. Historically, Isola Santa stood on a road connecting Garfagnana with Versilia.

Walking Routes, Mountains and Water

An easy walking path follows the right bank of the lake to Pollaccia. Pollaccia is one of the significant springs in the Apuan Alps area. The route therefore runs along the lake and leads to a spring, while the other hiking trails from Isola Santa to Monte Corchia offer a distinct mountain connection.

The Pizzo delle Saette, Monte Sumbra, Monte Pania della Croce and Pania Secca are located in the surrounding area of Isola Santa. Those who wish to include mountain landscapes can plan the hiking trails to Monte Corchia and the mountains in the surrounding area separately. Isola Santa also has a specially regulated fishing area, which is used by numerous anglers to catch brown trout.

Cultural Attractions in the Surrounding Area

The Pretorio Palace, the Museo Archeologico Versiliese “b. Antonucci”, the Galleria Petrarte and the Barbara Paci Galleria d'Arte are located in the area around Isola Santa. The museum complements the archaeological traces at the site with another cultural and historical attraction; the two galleries add an artistic accent, while the Pretorio Palace is another cultural attraction in the surrounding area.

Alongside San Jacopo and the excavations, culture enthusiasts can visit other cultural attractions in the surrounding area, including one museum and two galleries.

Getting There and Choosing Where to Stay

Isola Santa is accessible by car, followed by a short walk. The village can also be reached by public transport: take the train to Castelnuovo Garfagnana and then bus E36 to Isola Santa. When travelling by public transport, the train and bus journeys follow one another; travelling by car is complemented by the short walk.

Further destination: Pierdiscini.

To the higher-level travel overview: Careggine.