Scanno

Scanno sits at just over a thousand metres above a lake formed by an ancient landslide that dammed the valley. From a particular point on the Monte Rotondo path the lake reads as a heart, which has become the standard image of the place. From the 1950s photographers including Henri Cartier-Bresson, Mario Giacomelli and Gianni Berengo Gardin worked here, drawn by the village's daily life and by the traditional women's costume, a dark pleated dress with an elaborate headdress, still worn by a few older residents. Filigree jewellery, including a distinctive earring called the presentosa, is made in workshops in the village.

What you actually see

• The heart-shaped lake - a landslide-dammed lake seen from one viewpoint.
• The photographic legacy - a village worked by several major photographers.
• The traditional costume - a dark pleated dress still worn by a few residents.
• The filigree workshops - silverwork including the presentosa earring.

When to go

May to October; the Sagittario gorge road in is dramatic and winding. Winter brings snow and a small ski area. Costume is worn mainly on feast days.

Honest expectations

The heart shape is only visible from one point on a path, not from the village. Costume wearing is now rare. The approach road is narrow.

Nearby

Sulmona lies north; the Abruzzo national park is south.