Stelvio National Park

The Stelvio National Park ranks among the most extensive protected natural areas in Europe, as well as one of the oldest Italian parks (established in 1935). Over 40% of its total area, including the Ortles-Cevedale group, is located in South Tyrol. Of this vast portion, a significant part belongs to the Val Venosta territory. The Stelvio Park is a true paradise, frequented by hundreds of mountaineers, skiers, hikers, and families looking for peace, tranquility, and adventure.

The church of Old Curon, built in the 14th century, was completely submerged by the artificial reservoir constructed by the fascist government in the 1920s. After the war, the industrial giant Montecatini decided to fully implement the ancient project carried out by the fascist government and, therefore, to further raise the water level up to 22 meters deep. This decision forced part of the local population to abandon their homes “in the interest of strengthening national industry”. The majority of the inhabitants were forcibly removed, and during the summer of 1950, the government destroyed over 160 private homes, while the entire center of Curon and part of the Resia village were submerged. Despite the pain of the residents, urged to move to makeshift accommodations, the State continued with the works, giving life to what today is one of the most picturesque lake basins in the world, to be observed in reverent silence from one of its shores.