Ragogna
Lake Ragogna: A Hidden Treasure in the Friulian Hills
Lake Ragogna, also known as "Lât di Ruvigne" in Friulian, is a natural marshland area located between the municipalities of Ragogna and San Daniele del Friuli, in the province of Udine. Originating about 12,000 years ago in a depression between the hills, the lake has a diameter of about 700 m and a maximum depth of 9-10 m, with an area of 25 hectares.
Details of Lake Ragogna
Lake Ragogna is fed by atmospheric precipitation, in addition to an underground source and small streams from the surrounding hills. The original lake was four times larger than the current one, but underwent reclamation in the 1930s. The area is also a place of archaeological interest, with historical evidence dating back to the Late Mesolithic and Early Neolithic (5000 BC), belonging to an agricultural community that lived on the shores of the lake.
Among the peculiarities of Lake Ragogna, you can admire the "gjave di Kric", an ancient stone quarry on the southern side of the hill near the bathymeter, which remained active until the 1950s. Furthermore, the lake is known for its biodiversity, with a surrounding strip characterized by marsh reeds, rushes, and various types of water lilies that offer a spectacle of colors in the spring.
Flora and Fauna of Lake Ragogna
One of the most interesting aspects of Lake Ragogna is the vast biodiversity it hosts. Among the species present, the "water chestnut" (Trapa natans) stands out, an aquatic plant whose characteristic is the fruit with a sweet and slightly bitter aroma, used as food since prehistory. The lake also hosts various animals, such as migratory birds like the common merganser, coot, gadwall, and tufted duck, as well as the little grebe, grey heron, mute swan, and redhead (Aythya fuligula).
The area around the lake is a natural paradise, surrounded by Alnus, Populus and Salix, reed beds, peat bogs, and wet meadows. For this reason, Lake Ragogna is an ideal place for birdwatching, with numerous opportunities to observe birds in flight and at rest.
Conclusions
Lake Ragogna is a hidden treasure in the Friulian hills, a natural oasis where biodiversity and history meet. Visiting it is a unique experience, allowing you to connect with nature and history, to observe birds in flight, and to enjoy the water chestnut, a delicacy that has its roots in prehistory. If you are in Friuli, you cannot miss visiting this wonderful lake, which will leave you speechless and make you feel at peace with yourself and the world.
