Cascata delle Marmore - Marmore Falls: Day Trip from Rome

Introduction

If you are looking for a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of Rome, you might want to consider a day trip to Marmore Falls. Marmore Falls is the tallest man-made waterfall in the world, with a height of 165 meters. It was created by the ancient Romans in 271 BC to drain the swampy land around Rieti and prevent malaria. Today, it is a stunning natural attraction that offers spectacular views, hiking trails, and adventure activities.

Marmore Falls is located in the Umbria region, about 7.7 km from the city of Terni and 100 km from Rome. You can reach it by public transport or by car in about one and a half hours. Here are some key points to know before you go:

• The waterfall is divided into three tiers, each with its own viewpoints and access points.
• The waterfall is not always flowing, as the water is used for hydroelectric power generation. It is turned on and off according to a schedule that varies depending on the season and the day of the week.
• You need to buy a ticket to enter the waterfall area and access some of the viewpoints. There are different types of tickets depending on how long you want to stay and which viewpoints you want to visit.
• You can also book guided tours, adventure activities, and shuttle buses online or at the ticket offices.
• The waterfall area is open from 9 am to 7 pm in summer and from 9 am to 5 pm in winter.

Getting There

By Public Transport

If you want to visit Marmore Falls by public transport from Rome, you have two options:

• Take a train from Roma Termini station to Terni station (about one hour), then take a local bus (line 21) or a taxi to Marmore Falls (about 15 minutes).
• Take a guided tour that includes transportation, entrance fees, and a guide. You can book online or at any tourist office in Rome.

If you choose the first option, you need to check the train and bus timetables carefully and plan your trip according to the waterfall schedule. You can find more information on Trenitalia and Marmore Falls official website.

By Car

If you prefer to drive to Marmore Falls from Rome, you can take the A1 motorway towards Florence and exit at Orte. Then follow the signs for Terni and Marmore Falls. The journey takes about one and a half hours.

There are several parking options near the waterfall area, depending on which tier and viewpoint you want to visit. The parking fees range from 1 euro to 5 euros per hour. You can find more information on Marmore Falls official website.

Top Attractions at Marmore Falls

Marmore Falls

The main attraction of this day trip is the Marmore Falls, the tallest man-made waterfall in the world. The falls were created by the Romans in 271 BC to divert the Velino River away from the wetlands of Rieti. The falls have a total height of 165 meters and are divided into three tiers. The water flow is controlled by a hydroelectric power plant and is turned on and off at specific times of the day. You can admire the falls from different viewpoints and even walk behind them for a thrilling experience.

Piediluco Lake

Another natural beauty that you can visit on this day trip is the Piediluco Lake, located above the falls. The lake is fed by the Velino River and acts as a reservoir for the power plant. The lake has a picturesque scenery with green hills, colorful houses and boats. You can enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the lake or explore the charming village of Piediluco, which has a medieval castle and a church.

More Attractions

• Nera River Park: A nature reserve that encompasses the area around the falls and the river. You can find various hiking trails, picnic areas, adventure parks and wildlife in this park.
• Labro: A medieval village perched on a hill overlooking the lake. You can visit its castle, museum and church, or just wander around its narrow streets and stone houses.
• Papigno: A small town near the falls that is famous for its film studios, where movies such as The Passion of the Christ and Gangs of New York were filmed.

Activities and Experiences

Rafting

If you are looking for some adrenaline, you can try rafting on the Nera River, which offers different levels of difficulty depending on the water flow. You can book a rafting tour with a professional guide and enjoy the rapids, waves and splashes along the river.

Hiking

If you prefer a more peaceful activity, you can hike along the paths that surround the falls and the lake. You can choose from different routes, such as the Grand Ring of Marmore Falls, which takes you to all the viewpoints of the falls, or the Ring of Piediluco Lake, which circles around the lake and offers panoramic views.

Lesser Known Stories and Interesting Facts about Marmore Falls

Here are some curious facts and legends about Marmore Falls that you may not know:

• The name Marmore comes from the Latin word marmor, which means marble. This is because the water has a whitish color due to the limestone deposits.
• The poet Lord Byron visited the falls in 1817 and wrote about them in his poem Childe Harold's Pilgrimage. He also swam in the pool below the falls and carved his name on a rock.
• The falls inspired many artists, such as painters, composers and writers. For example, Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot painted several landscapes of the falls, Gioachino Rossini composed an overture called La cascata di Marmore, and Mark Twain mentioned them in his book The Innocents Abroad.
• According to a legend, the falls were created by a nymph named Nera, who fell in love with a shepherd named Velino. However, Juno, the queen of the gods, was jealous of their love and turned Nera into a river. Velino then threw himself from the cliff to join her, creating the waterfall.