Description of the attraction
Lake Mezzola is a small body of water in the Italian region of Lombardy, lying between the plains of Pian di Spagna, which separates it from Lake Como, and Piano di Chiavenna, on which the city of Chiavenna is located. Both plains are crossed by the Mera River - the main tributary of Lake Mezzola and its only drain. Mera also connects Mezzola with Lake Como. In addition to the Mera, Mezzola has two other tributaries: the Codera River, which flows through the Val Codera valley, and the Ratti River, which crosses the Valle dei Ratti valley.
Despite its small size - the area of the lake is only 5, 9 sq. Km. - Mezzola is an ecologically important wetland. Together with the Pian di Spagna plain, it forms the Pian di Spagna and Lago di Mezzola nature reserve. The reserve also includes the communes of Sorico, Gera Lario, Dubino, Verceia and Novate Mezzola.
Once upon a time, this whole area was part of the northern arm of Lake Como, which extended northward up to Samolako, in ancient times known as "Summus Lakus" - "top of the lake". But subsequently, due to the constant floods of the Adda River, as a result of which sediments were formed, the Pian di Spagna plain was formed, dividing Como and Mezzola.
Today Lake Mezzola serves as an important stopping point for many migratory birds. You can get here as part of excursion groups.
