3574 Lago di Pilato e la Sibilla

Mythical and legendary flirtations are part and parcel of most regions throughout Italy. The Marche has its fair share but one of my favourites is the story surrounding the enigmatic Lago di Pilato (there’s also one in Switzerland), which is located on Monte Vettore up in the Sibillini Mountains. Not only does the lake get its name from a remarkable legend concerning Pontius Pilate who is supposedly buried here, it is one of the most important visitor attractions in the entire Monti Sibillini National Park.

Apparently, so the story goes, after being sentenced to death by Tibirius, Pilate was placed in a leather sack and then dumped on a cart driven by oxen. After being carried for many miles, the animals could go no further and ended up in this location where the cart overturned and Pilate’s body ended up in the lake. Sometimes the lake turns red because of Chirocephalus Marchesonii, a rare species of crustacean. It is said that the lake turned red at the time of the crucifixion of Christ.

Another fascinating story is that the lake was also a place of pilgrimage where many sorcerers from all over Europe once came to hold their strange rituals around its shores until Papal rulers put up a wall to prevent access to the lake. Some weird stones inscribed with occult symbols have apparently been found near the lake, suggesting perhaps that some truth and not just myth surrounds this very unusual place (sadly, no one knows where they are).

Local legend also has it that one of the ancient and wise priestesses with oracular powers lived in these mountains. The most famous of these, the Cumaean Sibyl from Campania, took refuge in a cave in the mountains above the town, which is perhaps why they care called the Monti Sibillini. Her magical kingdom seduced many intrepid visitors but those who came face to face with the Sibilla would discover that she was really a wicked temptress and once lured to her cave would eventually remain trapped there forever.

There’s a fascinating and popular novel called Guerino detto il Meschino (first published in 1410) by Andrea da Barberino, which tells of the hero Guerino’s adventure in seeking out the Sibilla to obtain the truth about his origins.

There are 2 access points to get to the lake: one from Foce (near Montemonaco) and the other from Forca di Presta (access via Arquata del Tronto). Both routes involve an 8-hour round trip. If you are into trekking, the best time to go is during late June/July. For those who are intrepid enough, there’s also the Grotta della Sibilla up in Monte della Sibilla.

Lago di Pilato/Foce/Monte Sibilla in the background/Monte Vettore from Forca di Presta