Let’s discover together the fascinating legends of Lake Viverone: from the sunken village to the dragon defeated by Saint Bononio. Myths and mysteries where nature meets history.
A lake that tells ancient stories
Lake Viverone is certainly a place of nature and relaxation, but it is also a silent guardian of ancient stories, forgotten legends, and mysteries that still surface today from its peaceful waters. Nestled among the moraine hills of Piedmont, straddling the provinces of Biella and Turin, this body of water has inspired popular tales handed down from generation to generation. Stories of sunken villages, spirits walking along the shores, and dragons defeated by saints. Here are three legends that make Lake Viverone a place where reality blends with magic.
The sunken village of San Martino: a legend of water and faith
The divine test and the submerged village
It is said that, centuries ago, there stood a village named San Martino on the lakeshore. A wealthy village, inhabited by proud people who were not inclined to charity. One day, a tired and hungry traveler knocked on their doors asking for food and shelter. He was welcomed only by a poor old woman who offered him hospitality. The traveler was actually an angel sent by God to test the goodness of the village.
As punishment for the villagers’ selfishness, the village was submerged by a huge wave of water, which gave rise to Lake Viverone. Only the charitable woman’s house was spared, and to this day – they say – her soul watches over the lake.
The bells ringing beneath the lake
On the quietest nights, fishermen swear they can hear the muffled sound of the San Martino church bells coming from the depths of the lake. It’s the ancient call of a lost place, trying to resurface to remind mankind of the importance of kindness.
The Lady of the Lake: the ghost of the lost bride
A story of love and (of course) tragedy
Among the most romantic and heart-wrenching legends of Viverone is that of the Lady of the Lake. It is said that a young woman was betrothed to a fisherman from the village of San Martino. When the village was swallowed by the waters, her beloved vanished forever.
Overcome with grief, the girl began to wander each night along the shores of the lake, searching for her lover’s face in the waves. She died of a broken heart and, since then, her spirit has never left the lake.
The mystery of full moon nights
According to the elders, on full moon nights a white, delicate figure can be seen walking along the lake’s edge. It’s the Lady, dressed as a bride, gazing at the water in the hope of seeing her lost love again. Her face is sad, yet serene. She’s not frightening (though I’d like to see for myself): she’s an apparition that speaks of eternal love.
The dragon of Viverone and the feat of Saint Bononio
A monster feared by the people
In ancient times, it was believed that a monstrous creature lurked in the murkiest waters of the lake: a dragon. Its pestilent breath withered plants and frightened animals. No one dared approach the southern shore, where the beast was said to dwell. Legends say that every year, to appease its hunger, the locals offered it an animal as a sacrifice.
The legend of the miraculous defeat
The lake was finally freed thanks to Saint Bononio, a hermit and abbot who came to the area bringing faith and courage. It is said that with a simple cross and a prayer (basically, a stroke of luck!*) he managed to defeat the dragon, which sank into the waters and was never seen again.
On the site of his victory a chapel was built, now lost, but still remembered in local traditions as a symbol of the triumph of light over darkness. Once again, faith and nature come together, turning the landscape into a story.
*forgive me, I’m feeling a bit irreverent today 😊
Lake Viverone, nature and legend
Walking along Lake Viverone today, perhaps at sunset, is like flipping through a book. Its calm waters seem to hide ancient secrets, and every glimpse invites you to listen. The legends that surround it are not just fantastic tales: they are part of the collective memory, of the popular culture that links past and present. They are stories that remind us where we come from, and make us fall even more in love with this corner of Piedmont.
Want to read more authentic and magical stories from Piedmont?
Follow the blog, I’m preparing new tales coming straight from the heart of this ancient land.
The next article will be dedicated to rural life and agricultural traditions along the lake’s shores. Don’t miss it!
See you next time!
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