Saint Anne Lake – A fairytale place
Saint Anne Lake is the only lake of volcanic origin in Romania that formed at the bottom of the crater of a volcano that disappeared in the Ciomatu massif. Saint Anne Lake is located about 17 kilometers from Băile Tușnad and is the only volcanic lake in Central – Eastern Europe.
Opinions differ on the last eruption of the volcano, but it took place about 30.000 – 40.000 years ago. After this last eruption, rainwater collected in the crater of the volcano and so the lake appeared.
Two bloody legends, that are hundreds of years old and that gave the name of the water, belong to this lake.
The first legend mentions two rival brothers who wanted to stand out from each other at any cost. So one of them wanted to prove that he has the most beautiful carriage, and harnessed to it the most beautiful virgins in the village.
Because they were frail and failed to move the very heavy carriage, the man decided to whip them and subject them to terrible torment. So one of the virgins, named Ana, cursed him. Then, suddenly, a strong storm started, killing the man and tearing down his castle. Instead of the castle, it is said that today’s lake was formed and that is why the lake is called Saint Anne.
The second legend also refers to a girl named Ana. She was forced by her family to marry a boy she did not want or love, although she begged her parents not to marry her. However, they did not want to listen to her, being captivated by the riches that the young man had. So, it is said that the young woman ran away on the wedding night and threw herself into the lake.
Because the locals were impressed by the suffering experienced by the girl, they decided to name the lake Saint Anne, a place of fertility and love.
Currently, in addition to a place of recreation and relaxation, where people come to bathe and breathe fresh air, St. Anne Lake is also a place of pilgrimage.
People came here to pray at the wooden chapel by the lake, since the twelfth century. In 1564 a stone chapel was built, and the popularity of the area, made that during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, about 30,000-40,000 pilgrims arrived here.
It is said that St. Anne helps young people find their soulmate. Another legend says that women who cannot have children, although they want very much, their wish is fulfilled after a pilgrimage to St. Anne’s Lake.
The locals don’t need the weather forecast. Over time, two cracks formed in the mountain near the lake. Locals say that if the air emanating from these cracks, pinches your nose, then it is a sign of a storm. If this does not happen, it is a sign of good weather. This event was scientifically proven, and it turned out that there is a post-volcanic activity in the area, sensitive to atmospheric change. Low pressure causes carbon dioxide and sulfur, to rise to the surface.
A sublime landscape, charming stories, deafening tranquility and an infinite power of nature. Regardless of the season, a carpet of colors spreads around, turning the place into a fairytale story.
Saint Anne Lake is worth visiting at least once, to understand and admire the beauty of the place!
Until next time, enjoy your journey!