The lake of Piana degli Albanesi is the oldest manmade water reserve in Sicily. It was created between 1920 and 1923 when the right side of the Belice river was dammed to supply hydroelectricity and water for households and farms in the areas of Piana degli Albanesi and Santa Cristina Gela 20 km from Palermo. The dam was built by hand using dry stone techniques.
It is surrounded by a small mountain range occupying an area of 40 km2 whose highest peaks are mounts Pizzuta, Maganoce and Kumeta. The shore features typical lake vegetation with willow, tamerisk and poplar trees. In the winter it welcomes numerous species of aquatic birds. The lake became a WWF area in 1999 to protect its natural characteristics. Nearby are two electrical power stations: Casuzze and Guadalami.
Sicilia Film Commission
Via Emanuele Notarbartolo 9 — 90141 Palermo
Phone: +39 091 7078008; +39 091 7078264; +39 091 7078133; +39 091 7078145
Email: filmcommission@regione.sicilia.it
