Lago della Stua is an artificial lake in the heart of the Belluno Dolomites, in Val Canzoi, fed by the Caorame torrent. The dam that holds it back was built between 1952 and 1953 by SADE, an Italian electricity company, with the aim of generating hydroelectric energy.
Origin of the name: The name "Stua" comes from the dialect term to indicate an artificial structure that blocked a torrent, used for floating timber. This practice consisted of transporting logs through torrents and rivers, exploiting the current of the water.
The construction: The Lago della Stua dam is 54.3 meters high and 32.4 meters wide, and was built in the area of Orsera, a town in Cesiomaggiore, to allow the production of hydroelectric energy. The lake extends for about 1.5 square kilometers and is home to various species of fauna.
Activities: Lago della Stua is a popular destination for outdoor tourism, with opportunities for sport fishing, trekking, mountain biking and bird watching. Its panoramic position and natural beauty make it an ideal place for hiking and outdoor activities.
Importance: Lago della Stua represents an important source of renewable energy for the region and an important naturalistic site, contributing to the conservation of the biodiversity of the Dolomites.