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Marmore Falls
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Landmark
The Marmore Falls, located near Terni in Umbria, stand as one of the tallest waterfalls in Europe with a total height of 165 meters. Remarkably, this natural-looking wonder is artificial, engineered by the Romans in 271 BC under Consul Manius Curius Dentatus to drain the stagnant marshes of the Velino River into the Nera River. The waterfall is divided into three sections, with the top drop being the highest at 83 meters. Today, the water flow is managed by a hydroelectric power plant, meaning the falls are only turned on at full capacity during specific scheduled hours, creating a dramatic display for tourists. The constant mist supports a rich microclimate with lush vegetation and rare botanical species. Visitors can explore the site through several trails, including the Lover's Balcony, which provides a thrilling perspective directly behind the crashing waters.
- Location: Italy
- Top sights: Chiringuito - Società Canottieri Piediluco · Museo Multimediale Cascata delle Marmore HYDRA · Rocca di Piediluco
- Nearby: Terni (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 5 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 17 | 22 | 25 | 25 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 6 |
| Rain mm | 65 | 80 | 67 | 57 | 64 | 41 | 31 | 33 | 71 | 78 | 111 | 86 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Marmore Falls near Terni are a publicly accessible natural wonder; entry to the viewing area is ticketed. The grounds are walkable via paths and platforms offering good views of the falls.
Typical hours
The falls are typically open daily from morning to evening, with seasonal variations. The water flow is scheduled at specific times; the release timetable is available on the website.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site; the viewing platforms offer fantastic subjects. A tripod is useful for capturing the water masses with long exposure, but watch out for wet areas.
Time needed
Allow about one to two hours for visiting the falls, including walks to the various viewpoints. The lower and upper trails offer different perspectives.
Combine with
Combine the waterfall visit with the nearby town of Terni, offering Roman remains and the cathedral. Lago di Piediluco and the Grotte della Cascata are also worth seeing.
Getting there
The falls are reachable by car via the A1 motorway or SS3; there is a parking lot at the entrance. Public buses run from Terni to the falls; the bus stop is near the entrance.
Insider tip
Check the water release schedule on the official website before departure to see the most spectacular view. Wear waterproof clothing and non-slip shoes, as paths are often wet and slippery.
Geography
Facts
- Total drop height of 165 meters
- Consists of three distinct tiers
- Engineered by Romans in 271 BC
- Highest single drop is 83 meters
- Used for hydroelectric power generation
- Located at the confluence of Velino and Nera
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Marmore Falls (7)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Who created the waterfalls?
They were created by the Romans in 271 BC.
Are the waterfalls always active?
No, the water flow is controlled at specific times.
How high are the waterfalls?
The total height is an impressive 165 meters.
What activities are available there?
Visitors can enjoy hiking and rafting on the Nera river.
Where are the waterfalls located?
They are located near Terni in the Umbria region.
Marmore Falls: where is it located?
Marmore Falls is located in Italy.
Marmore Falls: what is there to see?
Highlights include Chiringuito - Società Canottieri Piediluco, Museo Multimediale Cascata delle Marmore HYDRA, Rocca di Piediluco.
Marmore Falls: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
Marmore Falls: why is it worth visiting?
The Marmore Falls, located near Terni in Umbria, stand as one of the tallest waterfalls in Europe with a total height of 165 meters.
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