Lake Vico | |
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Lago di Vico (Italian) | |
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Location | Lazio, Italy |
Coordinates | 42°19′N 12°10′E / 42.317°N 12.167°E |
Type | volcanic crater lake |
Primary outflows | Rio Vicano |
Catchment area | 40.95 km2 (15.81 sq mi) |
Basin countries | Italy |
Surface area | 12.93 km2 (4.99 sq mi) |
Average depth | 22.2 m (73 ft) |
Max. depth | 48.5 m (159 ft) |
Surface elevation | 510 m (1,670 ft) |
Lake Vico (Italian: lago di Vico, pronounced [ˈviːko]) is a caldera lake in northern Lazio, central Italy. It is one of the highest major Italian lakes, with an altitude of 510 m. Administratively, it is part of the municipalities of Caprarola and Ronciglione.
The lake is surrounded by the Cimini Hills, in particular by the Fogliano (965 m) and Venere (851 m) mountains. It is part of the Lake Vico Natural Reserve.
According to legend, the lake was created by Hercules, who defied the local inhabitants by wielding his club. When he did this, a stream sprang up and formed the lake.