Marmore Falls

The Velino once ended in a stagnant marsh above the Nera valley, and in 271 BC the consul Manius Curius Dentatus had a channel cut through the ridge to drain it, sending the river over the cliff in three drops totalling about a hundred and sixty-five metres, the highest artificial waterfall in the world. The solution flooded land downstream and the resulting dispute between Terni and Rieti ran for centuries, with Cicero arguing one side. The falls now feed a hydroelectric plant, and the water is diverted for power except at published release times, when a siren sounds and the flow is restored for visitors.

History

In 271 BC the Roman consul Manius Curius Dentatus had a channel dug to drain the wetland of the Velino in the Rieti valley, perhaps also against malaria, creating falls 165 m high, the largest man-made waterfall in the world; later, neglect of the canal let the wetland return (Wikipedia, Cascata delle Marmore).

What you'll find

• The three drops - 165 metres of fall in total, the highest man-made anywhere.
• The timed release - water switched on at published hours with a siren.
• The belvederes - upper and lower viewpoints linked by steep paths.
• The Roman cut - the channel dug in 271 BC to drain the marsh above.

When to go

April to October; the release schedule varies by season and day and must be checked, because outside those hours the falls are largely dry. Weekends have longer releases.

Good to know

Without a scheduled release there is very little water. Paths between viewpoints are steep and wet. The two entrances are far apart with separate parking.

Nearby

The Valnerina runs north; Terni lies west.

Key facts