Submerged Italian Village Resurfaces After 70 Years Underwater
The Lost Village of Curon
Nestled in the mountainous region of South Tyrol, where Italy, Austria, and Switzerland converge, lies the historic alpine town of Curon. Once a thriving community, Curon was submerged beneath the waters of Lake Resia in 1950 to create an artificial lake for a nearby hydroelectric plant.
For seven decades, the only visible remnant of the lost village was a 14th-century bell tower that eerily jutted out of the lake’s depths. However, in a remarkable turn of events, construction work temporarily drained part of the 72-foot-deep lake, revealing the foundations of Curon for the first time since its submergence.
A Glimpse into the Past
The exposed ruins of Curon have provided a haunting glimpse into the past. Social media users shared eerie images of the town’s stone steps, cellars, eroded archways, and other architectural features. This temporary dry spell has offered a unique opportunity to explore the remnants of a once-vibrant community.
A History of Displacement
The decision to flood Curon was a controversial one. The mostly German-speaking villagers struggled to understand the Italian government’s plans, which were only revealed in Italian. As the construction of the lake progressed, nearly 1,000 people were displaced from their homes.
Many of the displaced villagers relocated to the nearby town of Curon Ventosa. However, nearly half of the town’s population was forced to emigrate as a result of losing their homes. The story of Curon has become a symbol of the displacement and cultural loss that accompanied the construction of hydroelectric projects in Italy.
A Literary and Cinematic Inspiration
The eerie beauty of the submerged village has inspired countless works of art and literature. Italian author Marco Balzano’s 2018 novel, “Resto Qui,” and the 2020 Netflix thriller series, “Curon,” both explore the haunting legacy of the lost village.
Balzano’s novel reflects on the “problematic memory” of Curon, a reminder of the difficult times that Italy faced in the post-World War II era. The Netflix series weaves a supernatural tale around the village’s submerged ruins, highlighting their enduring power to captivate and inspire.
A Tourist Destination
In recent years, the bell tower of Curon has become a popular tourist destination. When the lake freezes over in the winter, visitors can walk up and touch the historic structure. The eerie beauty of the submerged village has drawn tourists from around the world, eager to experience its unique and haunting atmosphere.
Other Historical Remnants
Beyond Curon, the South Tyrol region is home to other bizarre remnants of 20th-century history. During World War I, Italian and Austro-Hungarian troops fought perilous battles at high altitudes in the region’s mountain passes. Today, tourists can still find derelict pieces of cableway, bridges, and cliffside bases, scattered throughout the frigid Alps, serving as a testament to the region’s turbulent past.
Conclusion
The temporary reemergence of Curon has offered a glimpse into a lost world, a reminder of the human cost of progress and the enduring power of memory. The eerie beauty of the submerged village continues to inspire and captivate, both in reality and in the realm of art and literature.