“A precious gem set in the depths of the Turrite Secca valley…”, “a picturesque village mirrored in the emerald waters of a lake nestled in the heart of the Apuan Alps…”, “a jewel of the Apuan Alps…”
Descriptions like these abound in articles and posts that are appearing with increasing frequency online. And rightly so— Isola Santa truly deserves such praise, both for the beauty of its village and surrounding landscape, and for the way some courageous and visionary entrepreneurs have managed to enhance it, respecting its original architectural character after a long period of abandonment that risked turning it into a chaotic cluster of ruins.
This enchanting village, reflected in the emerald waters of an artificial lake, is located in the Province of Lucca, along the SP13 Arni Provincial Road that connects Castelnuovo di Garfagnana with Versilia. At 550 meters above sea level and surrounded by the majestic Apuan Alps, it is a must-see destination for lovers of nature, photography, and history. But among the lesser-known wonders that surround Isola Santa lies the starting point of one of the boldest cave diving explorations in recent years—one that reaches deep into the dark heart of the Apuan Alps.
Isola Santa: the Rebirth of a Village
Isola Santa has ancient origins, dating back to the Middle Ages, when it was founded as a hospitale for travelers and pilgrims along the Tùrrite Secca stream. In the 1950s, the construction of a 38-meter-high dam for hydroelectric power generation led to the formation of an artificial lake, submerging part of the old village, including the Mosceta Mill and a medieval arched bridge. Today, the village has been largely restored, transformed into a welcoming albergo diffuso (scattered hotel) with two high-quality restaurants—one along the provincial road and the other nestled among the stone houses of the historic center. Nearby are also two long-established restaurants and a panoramic, elegant resort equipped with every comfort.
Its calm, green waters offer a striking spectacle, especially on rare occasions when, for maintenance, the lake is drained, revealing the submerged bridge and mill and creating a hauntingly beautiful landscape. The beige coating of mud that covers the lakebed and the ancient structures gives the scene a particularly evocative, mysterious, and eerie atmosphere.
Underwater Caving at the Pollaccia Spring
Just a short distance from Isola Santa, at the end of a scenic 800-meter trail running along the lake, lies the karst spring of Pollaccia—one of the most important in the Apuan Alps and just 5 kilometers in a straight line from the Grotta del Vento. Located at an elevation of 540 meters, the Pollaccia has an average flow of about 0.9 m³/s, with peaks exceeding 15 m³/s during high water. This Vaucluse-type spring features a wide gallery completely submerged by underground water, making it a key site for fans of cave diving and karst hydrology.
Gigi Casati’s Feat
In 2024, cave diver Gigi Casati accomplished a remarkable feat by continuing the exploration of the Pollaccia spring—an effort he began back in the 1990s. Using advanced techniques, Casati penetrated 830 meters into the depths of the Pania massif, reaching a maximum depth of 135 meters, where water pressure reaches approximately 13.5 atmospheres. This exploration significantly contributed to the understanding of the region’s underground aquifers. Such undertakings require meticulous planning and can span several days, given the environmental conditions, safety considerations, and technical complexity of the dives. The exploration also saw the active involvement of both Italian and international speleologists and cave divers.
Those who visit the Garfagnana and the Apuan Alps have the extraordinary opportunity to explore a land that, beyond its breathtaking surface landscapes, hides an intricate underground system of caves, springs, and natural tunnels of exceptional geological value—many of which are still being studied by speleologists and geologists.
It is an invitation to look beyond the beauty on the surface: every time we admire a picturesque village or a stunning view, it’s worth remembering that beneath our feet lies a hidden world that is equally as fascinating and precious.
Useful Contacts
Antico Borgo Isola Santa: https://www.garfagnana.it/borgoisolasanta/
La Ceragetta Restaurant: https://www.ristorantelaceragetta.com/
Osteria dell’Isola: https://www.facebook.com/michele.turri.5/?locale=it_IT
Ristorante Daniela: +39 0583 667039
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