It is located at an altitude of 1,941 metres, on Mount Vettore, in the Monti Sibillini National Park in the municipality of Montemonaco. It is the only natural lake in the Marches and one of the very few alpine-type glacial lakes present in the Apennines. It can be reached on foot through enchanting landscapes, uncontaminated environments and zoological and botanical peculiarities. It is known and often referred to as “the lake with glasses” as the two mountain lakes present sometimes merge due to the melting of the overlying glacier.

The lake is home to a particular endemism, the Chirocefalo del Marchesoni. Therefore it is strictly forbidden to bathe in the waters of the lake and it is necessary to maintain a distance of at least 5 meters from the edge to avoid stepping on the chirocephalus eggs laid on the shore.

According to legend, the body of Pontius Pilate would have ended up in its waters. In the Middle Ages it was considered a place for witches and necromancers. To this end, a visit to the Museum of the Grotta della Sibilla in Montemonaco is recommended.

The climb is demanding for those who are not trained. Hiking boots and poles are required. The path, initially immersed in the woods, is exposed to the sun at the exit. Therefore, in summer it is recommended to use hats, protective creams for the skin and a good supply of water.

There are three ways to reach it:

1- duration 2.5 hours outward journey and 2.5 hours return. Foce (fraction of Montemonaco) – Valle della Gardosa – at the end of the small road steep path on the left, inside a dense wood, with steep hairpin bends (the so-called “Svolte”) – Ascent to the valley of the lake. At Foce in the months of July and August a free minibus takes you to the entrance to the path to the end of the Gardosa valley, forbidden to private vehicles);

2- from Forca di Presta from the municipality of Arquata del Tronto, from which you follow the path to get to the top of Mount Vettore, once you reach the Tito Zilioli refuge, you begin to descend to the left towards the valley of the lake. Be careful in the section Le Riccette to be covered with the utmost attention.

3- Castelluccio- Capanna Ghezzi- Forca Viola about 3 hours of walking (of the three it is the longest path).

Le Marche Guide

Agriturismo Pascucci

Pilato’s Lake

Pilato’s Lake

Login