The dam's collapse occurred only 43 days after the reservoir reached its maximum capacity.
It was the first dam in the world to be built with a mixed gravity and multiple-arch design.
Approximately 4.5 million cubic meters of water surged down the valley, reaching the town of Darfo Boario Terme in about 15 minutes.
The project was originally commissioned to a private company without strict government oversight regarding technical design and material quality.
The ruins are currently managed as an open-air historical site preserved by local mountaineering associations.
The dam's failure was caused by poor foundation construction and the use of unsuitable materials, rather than a failure of the arch design itself.
The Ruderi della Diga del Gleno consist of the remains of a concrete gravity-arch dam that collapsed on December 1, 1923, just weeks after its initial filling. The disaster released 4.5 million cubic meters of water, devastating the Povo and Dezzo valleys and resulting in the deaths of hundreds of people. The site features the haunting, jagged remnants of the central arch, which stands as a stark memorial to one of Italy's worst industrial catastrophes. The surrounding area offers views of the Gleno valley, situated at an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters. The ruins are accessible via hiking trails that traverse the remnants of the construction site and the former reservoir basin. The site is a popular destination for trekkers interested in both industrial history and alpine landscapes.
The elevated path overlooking the central arch remains, capturing both the structure and the valley backdrop.
Wear sturdy hiking boots, as the trails to the ruins are steep and can be slippery.
Bring your own water and supplies, as there are no facilities or shops at the site.
Check local weather reports before ascending, as the mountain paths can become dangerous during sudden fog or storms.
Attempting the hike in winter or shoulder seasons without proper crampons or alpine experience due to snow and ice risks.
Best visited in summer and early autumn; trails may be impassable or hazardous due to snow throughout the winter and spring months.
Respect the site as a memorial to the disaster victims; avoid climbing on unstable ruins.
