Pertusillo Lake... - Secret World

Lago del Pertusillo, Provincia di Potenza, Italia

by Victoria Armani

Lake Pertusillo is located at an elevation of 532 meters above sea level and is an artificial lake, a dam, built in the 1950s and originated near the Montemurrese locality Pietra del Pertusillo, so named because the Agri River, in that area, passed between two rocks as if there were a pertugio. The dam over the years has been a site of great environmental interest, characterizing the area both climatically and naturally. The surrounding landscape is covered with forests that descend to the shores of the lake (some trees even beyond, resulting in being partially submerged by the waters). he landscape created by the lake that forms the initial part of the Alta Val D'agri is very impressive. There are numerous access points and each constitutes an oasis of considerable natural interest. It can also be admired from S.S. 598 Fondo Valle dell'Agri, which runs alongside it on an entire slope, and it also constitutes a very beautiful scenery from the scenic villages that surround it, such as Spinoso, Grumento Nova, Montemurro, Viggiano and Moliterno. The lake is rich in trout, eels and carp and is an attraction for fishermen not only local. It is used for sport fishing and for national rowing competitions, as well as a must-see stop in the Agri Valley's ferragosto.