There is a small town in Italy called Curon. You cannot visit it in the normal way. In 1950, the town was flooded to make a dam for electricity. More than 160 houses were destroyed, and the people had to move to higher land. Today, only one part of the old town can still be seen: the tall church tower that comes out of the water.
People from many countries come to see this strange place. In winter, the lake freezes, and visitors can walk on the ice to touch the tower. Many tourists take photos and think about what life was like when the town had shops, schools, and children playing outside. Some local stories say that on quiet nights you can still hear the old church bell under the water, but this is probably just a story.
The new Curon is near the old town. It is quiet and friendly. Some older people remember the day they had to leave their homes. They say it was sad, but they are proud because people still remember their town in a special way. Now, the lake gives electricity to many homes, turning a sad story into something good for the future.
Curon shows that new things sometimes have a cost, but history and people’s memories can stay alive, even if a town disappears under water.
Comprehension
1) Why can’t people visit the old town of Curon in the normal way?
2) What was destroyed when the town was flooded?
3) What can visitors see in the lake today?
4) How do older people feel about leaving the old town?
5) What is one positive result of the flooded lake?
Vocabulary
Match the words to the definition:
1) Flooded
2) dam
3) Tower
4) Visitors
5) Memory
a) people who go to see a place
b) a tall part of a building
c) covered with water
d) what you remember from the past
e) a structure in a river to stop water
Grammar Highlights
Past Simple – used for actions that happened in the past.
Example: The town was flooded in 1950.
Can for ability – used to say what is possible.
Example: Visitors can walk on the ice in winter.