Cascata delle Marmore (Marmore Falls) is both a natural wonder and magnificent feat of human engineering. This three-tiered waterfall cascades from a height of 541 feet (165 meters) and through spectacular greenery before emptying into a river. Casacata delle Marmore has inspired great poets such as Lord Byron and Virgil, from ancient Rome. Admire the pristine beauty of the falls, feel its thundering force from observation decks and take part in thrilling watersports.
Roman consul Manius Curius Dentatus ordered the construction of the waterfall in 271 B.C. to divert stagnant water over a cliff and into the Nera River. It took on its current appearance in 1787, when Pope Pius VI commissioned Italian architect Andrea Vici to add lateral falls to control the water flow. Today, it continues to be fed by the Velino River as it has been for over two centuries however, much of the water flow gets diverted to a hydroelectric plant.
A series of forested trails, paved pathways and staircases meander around a verdant park to bridges and panoramic viewpoints. Have your camera ready to take postcard-perfect shots of the milky-white water cutting through thick vegetation. Spot beautiful rainbows created when the sunlight interacts with the spray. Prepare to get wet at the Balcony of Lovers, accessible via a rock-cut tunnel.
Thrill-seekers will enjoy trying watersports on the Nera River accompanied by views of the falls from below. Cruise over rapids on kayaking and whitewater rafting excursions. Go canyoning, river boarding and river walking. Tubing is an activity suitable for both children and adults.
Find the attraction situated about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from Terni. Enter via the upper ticket office in Marmore or the Infopoint Marmore Falls, at Piazzale Felice Fatat. Parking is available at the entrances.
Cascata delle Marmore is open year round and there’s an admission fee. The water is switched on up to three times per day. Visit the official website to check the exact times, as well as opening hours, which vary by season.
