Marmore Falls

The amazing Marmore falls are just 8 kilometers from Terni and can be reached by either of the two roads east of the city, one leading to the upper road, or “Superiore”, and the other that takes you to the lower road, or “Inferiore”. Cascata dell Marmore is in fact a man made water fall and at 541 feet is the highest in all of Europe. The falls were created by the Romans in 271 BC when they diverted the River Velino into the Nera to prevent flooding of local agricultural land. Further work was done when channels were dug in 1400 and 1785 with the intention of draining Riet’s plain without causing floods in Terni. The final step that created the spectacle as we know it today came about when Lago Piediluco was dammed in the 1930’s which allowed their use for hydroelectric power. The hydroelectric plant at the Marmore Falls is in fact the largest in all of Italy.

The falls are turned on and off throughout the day and times do change with the seasons so it is best to check the schedule before you arrive. During summer evenings, the cascading water is floodlit which is quite an impressive sight to see. There are two observations points where you can watch the falls without getting wet, and three different walking paths marked by their level of difficulty that allow you to walk up and observe the falls up close and personal. Access to the paths is possible either from the upper belvedere, in the Campacci di Marmore park (on the road to Rieti from Terni) or from the lower one along the Valnerina Highway, in direction of Visso. Either way, after having paid the entry fee and obtained maps and information at the service centre you may begin to discover the most enchanting corners of the Falls, even reaching the tiers, thanks also to a small gallery, unveiling ponds and rapids hidden by the vegetation. There is also a campsite close by in the hamlet of Campacci. ( PH 0744.389.792 April-Sept)

Check out a few photos of Cascata delle Marmore below. Simply click on the image to open it into a larger one. Check More Photos of Marmore Falls In The Photo Gallery

Marmore Falls Website