Piediluco Lake

Located at the southern end of Umbria, on the border with Lazio, nestled between the Luco and Caperno mountains, Piediluco Lake is the largest lake in the region after Lake Trasimeno.

The basin has an irregular shape, resulting in a considerable bank of about 13 km, compared to its surface area of only 1.52 km².

Situated at about 370 meters above sea-level, the lake reaches a maximum depth of around 20 meters near the town. However, there are very few points where the waters do not exceed 12 meters. Among the major tributaries is the Rio Fuscello, which originates from the eastern slope of Tillia, while the other two are artificial canals.

Piediluco Lake, along with the smaller lakes of the Rieti plains, is all that remains of the ancient Lacus Velinus, of alluvial origin, formed during the Quaternary period as a consequence of the orohydrographic events involving the Nera and Velino rivers. It has been suggested that during its maximum extension, the Velino Lake covered almost the entire Rieti plain, stretching as far as the cliffs of Marmore.

During the summer season, the lake comes alive with numerous colourful boats “basking” in the sun and rowers’ boats (Piediluco is also a racing ground for national and international regattas) that bob on the water. Enthusiasts of canoeing, sailing and windsurfing also make their way here. All these sports can be enjoyed in this picturesque setting.