Natural disasters, emigration, accidents and other unexpected events have led to the creation of quite a few ghost towns around Italy. However, the Italian iteration of the ghost town is often far more beautiful than their counterparts worldwide. Ghost towns are always intriguing and fascinating sights that people positively itch to explore but these Italian towns also capture hearts with their incredibly picturesque settings and poetically decaying buildings.
A good Tuscan example for those exploring the region and looking for an attraction that is a little different or for those intrigued by such things is the town of Isola Santa. Located near the Versilian Coast, just find a vacation rental in Versilia and drag yourself from the beach long enough to spend a day exploring this fascinating ghost town.
A good Tuscan example for those exploring the region and looking for an attraction that is a little different or for those intrigued by such things is the town of Isola Santa. Located near the Versilian Coast, just find a vacation rental in Versilia and drag yourself from the beach long enough to spend a day exploring this fascinating ghost town.
Situated in the heart of the Apuan Alps, not far from the coasts of Versilia, you will find Isola Santa, an abandoned town that belongs to the municipality of Careggine, in the Lucca surroundings.
An incredibly old village, it was built in the Middle Ages as a rest point for travellers and pilgrims on the banks of the river Turrite Secca, particularly for those passing along the Foce di Mosceta, the road connecting Versilia and Garfagnana.
In 1950, the construction of a dam for hydroelectric power in the area meant that inhabitants had to leave their homes. Later, however, the old inhabitants decided to take back their charming and ancient village. It remains uninhabited but was restored during the 2000s in a heartfelt project and now stands as a peaceful oasis of natural and manmade beauty that can be visited and enjoyed.
An incredibly old village, it was built in the Middle Ages as a rest point for travellers and pilgrims on the banks of the river Turrite Secca, particularly for those passing along the Foce di Mosceta, the road connecting Versilia and Garfagnana.
In 1950, the construction of a dam for hydroelectric power in the area meant that inhabitants had to leave their homes. Later, however, the old inhabitants decided to take back their charming and ancient village. It remains uninhabited but was restored during the 2000s in a heartfelt project and now stands as a peaceful oasis of natural and manmade beauty that can be visited and enjoyed.
Lush greenery and the peaks of the Apuan Alps frame a teal coloured lake and, on its shores is the town of the same name that is made up of pretty, centuries-old, stone buildings. Today, the lake attracts trout fishers, the town attracts photographers and the location attracts hikers as many paths start from the area and reach some of the most important and well-known mountain tops: the whole mountain chain Pania, the mountains Corchia, Freddone, Sumbra and many others.
If you are interested in abandoned towns and buildings, have an Instagram addiction, are looking for somewhere peaceful to fish or somewhere to go hiking, Isola Santa can provide all of that and more. It really and truly is a rather magical little corner of Tuscany.
If you are interested in abandoned towns and buildings, have an Instagram addiction, are looking for somewhere peaceful to fish or somewhere to go hiking, Isola Santa can provide all of that and more. It really and truly is a rather magical little corner of Tuscany.
