Austro-Hungarian Customs House Surfaces Again From Lake Valvestino

The ancient customs building of Lignago has reappeared from the waters of Valvestino’s artificial lake in the municipality of Gargnano after low rainfall reduced the reservoir’s level. The structure, now in ruins, was submerged in 1962 when the dam was built, but it becomes visible again during droughts or when Enel carries out maintenance drawdowns, drawing visitors and turning into a popular spot for photos.

Once known as the former “Regio casello di dogana” (also called the “Casello della Patoàla”), the site was used to control goods entering and leaving the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The area—annexed to Italy only in 1916—was historically marked by borders and smuggling, and Lignago served as a key transit point for thousands of travelers moving along paths and mule tracks, including the transport of charcoal toward the Republic of Venice. The remains can be seen from a turnout along the provincial road about three kilometers after passing the dam wall coming from Gargnano.
Italian Version