"The Ghosts of Curon Venosta" | South Tyrol | 2015

The symbol of Val Venosta is quite fascinating and rather like a fable. A solitary church steeple emerges half out of the clear waters of the 6km long Lake of Resia, against the majestic background of the wild Vallelunga Valley. However, the story behind this postcard-like image is far less idyllic and the romantic 14th Century church bears testimony to the irresponsible decision of the State to locate a dam there after the end of World War II. From 1922, fascism had taken hold in Italy, including the South Tyrol. In 1939, the Montecatini conglomerate began the construction of a 22-meter deep dam project in Resia, with complete disregard for the sensibilities and remonstrations of the local South Tyrolean population. Construction was suspended following the outbreak of the War and it was hoped that this would mark the end of the project. But in 1947, just two years after the end of the War, and much to the dismay of the local population, Montecatini announced that the work on the construction of the dam was to be resumed. By the summer of 1950, it was all over. The locks had been tightened and the water was rising, flooding 677 hectares of land affecting 150 families, half of which were forced to emigrate to neighbouring Austria. Compensation was meager and inhabitants of the town of Curon, which was completely flooded, were housed in temporary accommodation - basic shacks located at the entrance of the Vallelunga. The dam was the product of fascism and through it, hundreds of families lost the basis of their livelihood. The bell tower is the only surviving structure from the town. It was placed under the protection of the fine arts department, subsequently becoming the symbol of the town of Curon. In the winter, when the lake freezes, the bell tower is within walking distance. A legend tells that on some winter days, it is possible to still hear the ringing of the bells. 

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