Exploring Earth's Priciest Abandoned Structures
1. Italy's Lake Reschen Bell Tower
Location: Italy's Lake Reschen
Formation Year: 1950
Building Costs: $150–300 million*
The stunning images of the submerged village of Reschen, located beneath Italy's Lake Reschen, are familiar to fans of the Italian-language mystery series Curon, which utilized this hauntingly beautiful site for filming. The ancient village was intentionally submerged in 1950 to create a reservoir for a hydroelectric power project, resulting in the flooding of 160 homes and the displacement of its remaining inhabitants.
The construction of the dam not only transformed the landscape but also led to the loss of a rich cultural heritage, as the village's historical structures were lost beneath the waters. Today, the remnants of Reschen occasionally emerge, especially during droughts, serving as a poignant reminder of the community that once thrived there.
Bell Tower at Lake Reschen, Italy
The iconic St. Catherine Bell Tower is one of the most recognizable remnants of the submerged village beneath Lake Reschen. After the lake was partially drained in 2021, the bell tower emerged in remarkable condition, drawing the attention of locals and visitors alike.
As more of Lake Reschen continues to recede, residents have flocked to the area to capture photographs of the bell tower and the haunting remains of the small Italian village that once thrived there. The sight of the bell tower rising above the water serves as a poignant reminder of the community's past and the historical significance of the village of Reschen.
