Lake Scanno with kids: UFOs and legends

The Heart Trail can be started from two different points, both well-marked and easy to find. One is longer and more challenging, while the other is much shorter with less elevation gain.

The most scenic starting point is near Lake Scanno, located close to the bike rental and souvenir shop. It is well-marked, so you won’t have any trouble finding it. This trail passes through a small forest, providing plenty of shade in the summer. As you walk along, you’ll come across beautiful panoramic views of the lake. Simply follow the signs for “Sentiero del Cuore” or the red and white trail markers. The total walking time for this trail is about 45-50 minutes, not including stops for photos. The trail from the lake is 2.1 kilometers long with an elevation gain of 289 meters.

The shorter starting point is in the village of Scanno, which is a bit harder to locate. The starting point is at the junction of Viale della Pineta and Via Domenico di Rienzo. You can park your car here and continue along the uphill road, which is reserved for residents. Eventually, on your right, you’ll find the beginning of the trail marked by a small sign indicating the Heart Trail. Although shorter, this trail lacks shade, so in summer, make sure you have sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water. This path takes around 25-30 minutes.

Both trails lead to the Hermitage of Sant’Egidio, which offers a great view of Lake Scanno and the surrounding valley. From here, it’s just a short distance to the panoramic viewpoint. Follow the path to the left, keeping the hermitage behind you, and walk downhill until you reach a fountain. Pass through the open gate in front of the fountain and continue for a few minutes until you reach the viewpoint where you can see the heart-shaped Lake Scanno, called the “Heart Observatory.”

The hermitage, built in a rural Romanesque style, has a square façade with a small bell nook at the top. The entrance is topped by a small circular window, and the door’s lintel bears an inscription from 1675, the year the town prayed to Saint Egidio for help during the plague. Another inscription, inside a coat of arms above the entrance, mentions the date and names of the three local citizens who promoted the restoration in 1780. Inside, the single nave contains a simple altar with side niches, and near the entrance, there are two holy water fonts carved with animal-like faces. The fresco of Saint Egidio on the altar shows signs of age. The floor is made of simple bricks, and two doors on the right lead to the sacristy and living quarters, consisting of a ground-floor room and two upstairs chambers likely used by the hermit.

The exact date of the church’s construction is unknown, but records confirm the existence of the hermitage in 1612.