Le Vie
dell'Umbria

The Marmore falls is a waterfall flow control is among the highest in Europe, relying on a drop of 165 m, divided into three jumps (the first, highest, to 83 m). The name comes from the calcium salts present in the rocks that seem similar to marble.

It is located about 7.5 km from Terni, in Umbria, near the end of Valnerina, the long valley carved by the river Nera ([show location on an interactive map] 42 ° 32'39 "N 12 ° 43 '16 "E / 42.54417, 12.72111). The waterfall is formed by the river Velino that, near the hamlet of Marmore (376 m, 802 inhabitants according to the Istat data 2001), flows from Lake Piediluco and dives with noise below the gorge of the Black. Usually only part of the river Velino (average 50 m³ / s) is diverted towards the waterfall (about 30%, equivalent to approximately 15 m³ / s).

Velino River along much of the plateau surrounding Rieti, and downstream is obviously hampered by the presence of massive limestone and the absence of a proper bed when scrolling. This geological configuration has led, over the ages, the formation of a stagnant swamp, is harmful to the health of the places. In 271 BC, the Roman consul Manlio Curio Dentatus orders the construction of a canal (the cable Curiano) to drain the stagnant water in the direction of natural Marmore leap: from there, the water rushed directly into the Black River, a tributary of the Tiber .

Today, the waters of the waterfall are intensively exploited for the production of electricity in central Galleto. This means that the waterfall itself is not constantly running, but for most of the time is reduced to the size of a stream. The basin of Lake Piediluco serves as a reservoir of water for the plant, built in 1929 and architecturally very beautiful to see, capable of producing electricity with a capacity of about 530 MW. To adjust the operation of the plant and to allow the vision to all, in times and periods indicated, the cascade is operated at maximum flow rate, ensuring a spectacular effect: a beep warns the opening of the sluice gates to control, and the small stream is transformed within minutes into a river that roboante falls on deaf ears. Usually, you can see the waterfall in function between the hours of 12.00 and 13.00 and between 16.00 and 17.00, every day of the week during the holidays are ending prolonged operation. From about 5 years, access to the best observation points in return for an admission ticket.