A hidden medieval village that was “frozen in time” at the bottom of the lake looks set to reappear next year, giving visitors a glimpse into the past.
The Italian village of Fabbriche di Careggine has been flooded by the waters near the hydroelectric power plant since 1947, but remains in surprisingly good condition beneath an artificial lake.
A small settlement in Tuscany was founded by blacksmiths in the 13th century and quickly became famous for the iron products made there.
The settlement may now reappear on land, as the lake is planned to be drained for repair work on the dam.
This has happened four times since the dam created Lake Valya , and every time the water receded, the church and several buildings of the old village appeared from the past into the present. The most recent time was in 1994, and thousands of tourists came to see the 13th century shard.
According to the daughter of the ex-mayor of the municipality of Vagli di Sotto, next year it is planned to drain the lake.
Also, according to local media reports, the energy company ENEL, which owns the dam, is considering draining the lake to stimulate the tourism industry in the area.
