Sauris Lake | Dam

The Lago di Sauris, a reservoir in Friuli, Italy. Lago di Sauris is located below the two alpine passes Sella di Razzo and Sella di Rioda. A winding and varied road leads down into this valley, which has been remote for centuries. It was only with the construction of the dam across the road leading to the alpine pass Passo Pura and a nearby tunnel, which, like the alpine pass, leads to Ampezzo, that this valley was opened up to the south.

The Lago di Sauris was created in 1948. At that time, its dam (southwards) was the second largest in Europe. 15 houses, mills, a school and a church were flooded. 60 inhabitants had to move. The man-made lake with its remarkably turquoise-coloured water brought not only energy but also tourists to the valley.

A little further up are the two villages of Sauris di Sotto and Sauris di Sopra. A language all of its own has been spoken here for centuries. If you want to know more about the lake, the villages, the surrounding alpine passes and tours in Friuli, you should take a look at the TV report Alpen-Marathon im Friaul.