Description of the attraction
Cascata delle Marmore is an artificial waterfall in Umbria, created by the ancient Romans. The total height of its three sections reaches 165 meters, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Europe and the tallest man-made waterfall in the world. And the largest of its sections is 83 meters high.
Cascata delle Marmore is located 7, 7 km from the town of Terni. Its source is the Velino River, which also feeds a hydroelectric power plant built in 1929. The waterfall itself falls into the valley formed by the Nera River. An interesting fact: the water cascade is “turned on” and “turned off” according to a specific schedule in accordance with the wishes of tourists and hydroelectric power plants. Tourists try to be at the waterfall at the moment the gate opens in order to see the most exciting part of the spectacle. First, a signal sounds, then the sluice rises and in a matter of minutes a small stream turns into a full-flowing river, which falls down from a dizzying height.
On a specially laid path, you can climb to the very top of the waterfall or go through a tunnel to the observation deck - however, if you stay there during the show, you can get wet to the skin. A safer observation deck is located at the top - a wonderful view of the Nera valley opens from there.
The Velino river itself flows through the highlands that surround the city of Rieti. In ancient times, she fed a swamp, which was the source of constant epidemics of malaria. To solve this problem in 271 BC. a canal was built to divert stagnant waters to the cliffs near the town of Marmore. From there, the water flow fell down into the valley of the Nera River. However, this created another problem: during the flood period, the waters of Velino flooded the town of Terni. This continued for several centuries, until in 1422, by order of Pope Gregory XII, the construction of a new canal began. Another canal was constructed in 1545. True, this did not help to solve the problem completely: Terni was spared from danger, but the countryside began to be regularly flooded by the waters of the Nera. It was only in 1787 that Cascata delle Maromre acquired its modern look, which made it possible to control the flow of water and avoid unpleasant consequences.
