The work of man and the power of nature
Umbria is a small region, but full of great surprises; one of these is the Marmore Falls, in the province of Terni. With a drop of 165 meters, it is among the highest waterfalls in Europe. This controlled-flow waterfall is located at the end of the Valnerina, an ancient valley carved out by the Nera River, from which it takes its name.
The wonder of this place, the fruit of man’s labor and the power of nature, has never ceased to amaze its visitors. Numerous illustrious figures have visited it, including Cicero, Galileo, and the Englishman Lord Byron, who dedicated a poem to this “horribly beautiful” waterfall in 1817.
Hiking, walking, and rafting at the Marmore Falls
You can visit the Marmore Falls by following six trails, characterized by varying degrees of difficulty and different viewpoints of the falls. The red trail and the blue and green trails are accessible to everyone and full of unmissable views. The red trail is considered the most popular and easiest. Walking along the side of the waterfall, you can take memorable photos or simply admire the fascinating waterfall without getting wet. However, if you want to experience the thrill of feeling the waterfall rush over your back, choose the blue or green trail.
Not just trekking at the Marmore Falls. The river park offers many opportunities, such as rafting on the rapids of the Nera River, an adrenaline-filled descent in the splendid setting of the Valnerina. Or climbing along rock faces, or even descending into the bowels of the earth to discover the caves carved out by the erosive action of water.
The Lovers’ Balcony and the Legend of Nera and Velino
Along the Marmore Trekking Route 1, the most historic, you can stop at several spots where the view of the waterfall is more spectacular than ever. A must-see on this hike to the Marmore Falls is the Lovers’ Balcony, a small terrace that reaches almost inside the waterfall, so much so that you can almost touch the waters near the first drop. It is reached by walking through a tunnel carved into the travertine, halfway between the Lower and Upper Belvederes. The humid, intimate, and fairytale atmosphere is connected to a legendary love story whispered by the waters, which tells of the love between the beautiful nymph Nera, devoted to Juno, and Velino, a charming young shepherd. The two lovers are discovered by the powerful goddess, who unleashes her wrath by taking the nymph to the top of Mount Vettore, transforming her into a river—the Nera River. Velino, unable to find his beloved, searches for her until he realizes he has lost her forever. Distraught with grief, Velino throws himself from the cliff but, during his somersault, is transformed into water by Jupiter. In this way, Velino and Nera are reunited, becoming a symbol of eternal love.
The Observatory and the Marmore Rainbows
On the path called Antico Passaggio because of its centuries-old use by local residents to travel between the Lower and Upper Belvederes, Pope Pius VI had a special loggia built in 1781 to better admire the waterfall: the Observatory. From this vantage point, it is possible to admire the Marmore Falls from their highest point, as well as enjoy a breathtaking view of the Nera Valley. Furthermore, when the conditions are favorable, suspended water particles struck by rays of light form rainbows of intense colors and the strangest shapes. Poets, painters, and artists have been enchanted by this spectacle which, with the right amount of luck, delights incredulous visitors.
The wealth of trails, activities, and sights at the Marmore Falls is so vast that you could spend an entire day exploring them. An experience worth doing at least once in your life, or perhaps even more.
Waterfall Opening Hours
Although the trails that cross the Marmore Falls are open at any time, it’s important to note the waterfall opening hours, as the water flow is controlled and not always active. Opening hours vary depending on weekdays and holidays, but especially depending on the season.