Chiusi Lake

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Since the mists of time the lake has played an important role in Chiusi’s history. The Etruscans called it ‘Moonlight’ because they thought that the goddess of the sky, Tiu, came on serene nights to admire her reflection in its crystal clear water. According to Christian tradition Saint Mustiola, fleeing from Rome, miraculously crossed the waters of the lake on her cloak, leaving a streak of light in her wake. A light that seems to reappear each year at the dawn of the third day in April. There are also occasional fifteenth-century references to the Chiane Nuptials when the town symbolically claims possession of the lake - the contested border with Umbria - by tossing a silver ring into the water. In fact the lake - 5km from the Old Town - is a sort of ‘find’, a small expanse of water which together with the Lago di Montepulciano survived the drainage of the Val di Chiana which transformed an extensive malarial swamp into fertile land. Today the lake holds a particularly special environmental role for its numerous species of fish, plants and palustrine grasses and for being a refuge, from autumn to spring, for migratory birds. Many species of herons nest in its thick willow and poplar branches, making it one of central Italy’s most important colonies. All in all it’s a paradise for nature-lovers and bird-watching enthusiasts, with the chance for walks or bike-rides along the lake and canoeing and sports-fishing facilities also available.

Edited by Chianciano Terme Val di Chiana tourist office
Conceived and written by
Simone Marrucci