Corbara between Lake, Gorges and History

Corbara combines the landscape of Lake Corbara with rock formations, wine-growing and historical sites. Lake Corbara was created in 1962 through the construction of a dam to generate hydroelectric power. This gives you several clear ways to explore the area: you can trace the creation of today’s waterscape, explore the wines associated with the appellation of origin, or focus on historic buildings and archaeological traces.

Lake Corbara and the Forello Gorges

Around Corbara, the Forello Gorges feature high, rugged banks reaching almost 200 metres, karst coves and cave complexes. The landscape therefore extends from open water to distinctive rocky areas. If you consciously take nature and landforms into account on your journey, Corbara offers a clear thematic focus for this.

Activities on the Water and among the Rocks

There are also specific points of interest for active travel. Near Corbara, on the left bank of the Tiber, before Lake Corbara, there is an equipped climbing wall with more than 20 routes. Sport fishing is practised at Lake Corbara; canoeing is among the sports practised in the area around Lake Corbara. Climbing, sport fishing and canoeing thus represent three different ways of engaging with the landscape.

Wines between Corbara and Baschi

In the hills between Corbara and nearby Baschi, wines are produced that led to the creation of the specific Lago di Corbara DOC appellation of origin in 1998. Lago di Corbara DOC includes red and white wines, including Sangiovese, Grechetto, Merlot, Pinot nero, Vermentino, Chardonnay and Sauvignon. If you enjoy understanding regional products through their origin and grape varieties, this wine connection adds a culinary perspective to the landscape experiences.

Historical Sites in Corbara

Corbara is documented as a castrum in the 1292 land register of the rural parish of Santa Maria da Stiolo. The Montemarte family built a large fortified villa in Corbara, which still exists today. The Chiesa di Sant'Andrea Apostolo at the Tenuta di Corbara dates from the 14th to the 15th century. Taken together, these sites lead from the medieval place name through a fortified villa to a religious building.

At the confluence of the Tiber and Paglia, the Roman port of Pagliano was uncovered in 1889 and 1890. For visitors interested in culture, this site expands the historical perspective on Corbara with a tangible connection to the two rivers. In this way, alongside the lake and gorges, different periods in the area’s history also take centre stage.

Routes Connected with Corbara

Two route descriptions provide different points of reference for orientation. On Route 30, the road heads towards Corbara after the dam and runs directly along its foot. On the “Anello Orvieto-Monte Peglia-Corbara-Orvieto” route, a scenic descent towards Corbara covers 7.6 kilometres.

More Destinations

For more travel ideas, you can also explore Benano, Acqualoreto, Montegabbione, Itieli, Montecastrilli, Casteldelmonte, Monterivoso and Rosaro.

For the higher-level travel overview: Terni.