Remember that sketch from Monty Python’s Life of Brian – “What did the Romans ever do for us?” The response was a long list, including roads, sanitation, education, medicine, peace, wine and irrigation. Well, yesterday we visited a fine legacy of a Roman irrigation project at the Cascata della Marmore (Marmore Waterfall) near Terni. At 165 metres, it is the highest man-made waterfall in Europe. Set in a lush, green park of forests and gorges, it is a breathtakingly beautiful sight.
Marmore Waterfall, Umbria. As we arrived – a gentle fall…
Marmore Waterfall, Umbria. A trickle…
In 217BC, the Romans dug a canal to divert the water from the swampy, stagnant River Velino over the Marmore cliff and into the River Nera which runs below it. The channels have been modified several times over the years in order to better direct the flow of water; the last significant alterations were in the 1930s.
For over 50 years the powerful waters have been redirected to fuel the largest hydroelectric plant in Italy. This means that the majority of the water is only released over the falls at certain times during the day, so it is important to check the timetable before a visit. At this time of year the water is released for just an hour, twice a day. Surprisingly, there were no crowds on a very sunny and warm morning. It could not have been more perfect.
Marmore Waterfall, Umbria. Flowing into the River Nera…
The Marmore Falls were a feature of the Grand Tour, which was at its height in the 17th to 19th centuries. Young English noblemen and intellectuals would complete their education with extended European travel and Italy, with its historical and artistic treasures, was a prime destination. The rainbow that can often be seen at the Falls was considered to be one of the great marvels of the Italian leg of the Grand Tour.
The site inspired many artists and poets, including (moving seamlessly from Life of Brian to Life of Byron) Lord Byron. His 19th century poem Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage contains several stanzas relating to his visit to the Marmore Falls. Since he described it much more eloquently than I can, the quotations below are his.
There are 2 main vantage points: the upper and lower belvederes. Only the lower belvedere provides a view of all 3 drops of the Falls, so we stationed ourselves there to await the rush of water. A siren wailed to warn spectators of the impending torrent, and the sound of water filled our expectant ears.
Marmore Waterfall, Umbria. Gaining power…
“The roar of waters from the headlong height..”
Marmore Waterfall, Umbria. In full flow…
Marmore Waterfall, Umbria. The highest drop in full flow…
“The fall of waters, rapid as the light..”
At times the spray almost obscured the highest drop.
“And mounts in spray the skies, and thence again returns in an unceasing shower..”
“The hell of waters! Where they howl and hiss and boil in endless torture.”
When we had marvelled at the sight for some time, we took one of several trails leading up and around the waterfall in order to see a different perspective. We passed a small pond, green and still, with the sound of frogs croaking competing with the steady roar of the water. As we got closer, the spray soaked our clothing and the noise increased.
Higher and higher we climbed, until we were 40 meters from the ground. The droplets of water sparkled in the sunlight, and suddenly we saw the rainbow below us!
Marmore Waterfall, Umbria. Rainbow!
Someone once described the water as looking like bridal veils; you can see why below.
Back down then, to see the waters slow and fade again to a trickle, an equally beautiful sight.
“A matchless cataract, horribly beautiful..” Lord Byron
magicspello 
As promised,on return to London I would reply. So lovely to meet you both, and so unexpected, but then the unexpected surprises in Life often bring the most joy.I managed to find my way out of Spello, but the landscape seem to have somewhat changed since my ascent !!! anyway …after a trip to the garage and then another to the “Tobacci ” “Scusi,le statzione ?” it did seem to result in my eventual arrival at a deserted platform…joined later by 2 Scots, a Canadian and an italian lady so we all travelled back to Perugia together….great fun.
Such a wonderful Italian experience,the small town captures the magic of a city that speaks to those who wish to listen,and shows things to those who wish to see with different eyes.
I was shown pictures of the flower Festival when the streets are covered in wonderful flower art…hope you will be there for it… think its June 2nd and 3 rd.Take Care,Best Wishes,Pamela x x
Pamela, it was a delight to meet you also. Glad to hear you made it back to Perugia and, ultimately, London. We were pleased to hear that you enjoyed your brief flirtation with Spello, our beautiful little town. We will indeed be here for the Infiorata – in fact we have just returned from a commando-like expedition to gather flower petals which will be dried and used for the flower pictures. We are so delighted that we have the chance to take part. If you keep watching the blog, full details will be revealed as it happens! We watched your YouTube reels – you are a very entertaining lady! Take care. Xx
Your blog is more fun than the Sunday papers! These photos are stunning xxx
Hi Claire. Glad you like the photos – it was a thrilling sight. And the Sunday papers are only filled with grisly murders, political infighting and dull celebrities! Xx
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Cascata della Marmore looks like quite a spectacular water fall. I didn’t know the Romans actually built waterfalls. Stunning!
Thanks Otto. It was indeed quite a sight, and who knew it was there? Another accolade for the Romans.