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THE BELL TOWER OF CURON: LAKE RESIA, ITALY

Chiara Slijk, Giulio Ballaerini and Chiara Pandora Socin spent a memorable day exploring the mystical waters and iconic landmarks of Lake Resia in Italy!

Words & Pics: Chiara Pandora Socin

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THE PLAN

Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Northern Italy, lies Lake Resia, home to a legendary bell tower that rises gracefully from the glacier waters.

Our idea was to go on a little micro adventure in our van. Our home spot, Lake Garda, is beautiful enough, but sometimes it’s nice to explore some other lakes and Lake Resia has always been on our bucket list. I remember reading about this place a few years ago and since then it had always been a dream for me to go there. Eventually, my dream came true, and seeing the bell tower so closely from our SUPs was simply stunning. We packed the van with SUP and Wing Foiling gear (we heard that it’s also a great light wind spot for Wing Foiling and Kiting) and set off to the picturesque South Tyrol region to find the lake. In the end we were happy to have our SUPs as the weather was grey and cloudy, whilst there was not a breathe of when we arrived.

EXPLORATION

The placid waters reflected the stunning alpine scenery, providing a perfect backdrop for our SUP adventure. Equipped with our boards and paddles, we were ready to embark on a memorable exploration. Standing tall and proud in the heart of the lake, the bell tower of Curon is an emblem of resilience and history. Submerged for decades beneath the lake’s surface, it serves as a haunting reminder of the village that once thrived in this spot. The bell tower has become a symbol of Curon, which was artificially flooded in the 1950’s to join Lake Resia to Lake Curon. The authorities decided that it had to be created right where the town was located and despite protests it went ahead, submerging the town in the process. Now, that tower looms out of the dark green and blue waters of the lake, while in the winter you can sometimes venture across the ice to it.

We paddled across the mirror-like waters and as we approached the tower, its spire pierced through the surface, evoking a sense of mystery and enchantment. The rhythmic sound of our strokes seemed to echo the whispers of the past. We couldn’t help but be enthralled by the surreal experience of paddling alongside this ancient structure, feeling as though we were bridging the gap between centuries.

While the bell tower of Resia holds its own allure, the surrounding nature was almost as stunning. The snow-capped peaks of the Ortler Alps, mirrored by the crystal-clear waters, painted a breathtaking backdrop for our adventure. As we paddled along the lake, we marvelled at the vibrant flora and fauna, cherishing the harmony between human history and Mother Nature.

JOURNEY’S END

As we reached the end of our SUP excursion, we took a moment to soak in the experience and reflect on the significance of our adventure. The tranquility of Lake Resia, and the bell tower’s presence, left an indelible mark on our hearts. It served as a reminder of the power of history, the resilience of communities, and the serenity found in immersing oneself in nature’s embrace.

That day spent paddling around the Bell Tower of Lake Resia was a truly extraordinary experience. From the mystical allure of the tower itself, to the mesmerising landscapes and captivating legends, every moment on our SUPs was filled with wonder and awe. It is a journey we will cherish forever, and an adventure that highlights the remarkable fusion of history, nature, and the human spirit that awaits those who seek it on the tranquil waters of Lake Resia. An outstanding adventure just around the corner from our home in Lake Garda!