Cascata delle Marmore

The Cascata delle Marmore Marmores Falls is a man-made waterfall created by the ancient Romans. Its total height is 165 m 541 feet, making it one of the tallest in Europe and the tallest man-made waterfall in the world. Of its 3 sections, the top one is the tallest, at 83 m 272 feet. It is located 7.7 km from Terni, a provincial capital of the Italian region of Umbria. Its source is a portion of the waters of the river Velino the rest of the river flows into a hydroelectric power plant, after flowing through Piediluco lake near the community of Marmore. It pours into the valley below formed by the river Nera. Its flow is turned on and off according to a published schedule, to satisfy the needs of tourists and the power company alike. Tourists try to be there the moment the gates are opened to see the powerful rush of water. The best view is at the bottom, but the trail leading from top to bottom has many side trails, and is extremely beautiful.

Marmore falls is an unspoilt natural landscape, populated by a rich iety of flora and fauna and a breathtaking spectacle originated by nature's spontaneity and human intelligence. Their origin, in fact, dates back to Roman times, when Roman Curia pit was originally dug. In ancient times, the Velino River created wetlands that the ancient Romans believed was creating a disease problem in the nearby city of Rieti. To solve the problem, the Roman consul at the time ordered the construction of a canal that created this waterfall. By means of this plumbing system work, the waters' flow from the area of Velino was directed towards the area of Nera via a route that included the exact drop where, today, it is possible to admire these beautiful waterfalls.

If you plan on visiting on your own, you will need a car. Get to the city of Terni about an hour north of Rome, and follow the signs to "Cascate delle Marmore". As you get close, there will be two places to start: "Superiore", the top of the falls, and "Inferiore", the bottom of the falls. There are many trails available for entering the hidden corners of the park. The different duration and difficulty levels allow the visitor to choose the most appropriate route. Rafting, canoeing and canyoning are reserved for those looking for strong emotions.