Italy · Umbria

Cascata delle Marmore

Marmore Falls

Ancient Romans engineered this falls in 271 BC by diverting the Velino River off a cliff into the Nera valley below, making it the oldest artificial waterfall still in existence. A hydroelectric plant now controls the flow, opening the sluice gates on a published daily schedule that draws crowds to watch the water burst to full force.

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Phil Green 13 · CC0

Tallest man-made waterfall in the world Essentials guide

Cascata delle Marmore drops 165 metres (541 ft) on the Velino, inside Parco Fluviale del Nera. It is a tiered-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Terni, with FCO the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate.

Water is released on a regulated schedule for hydroelectric use, so flow is strongest at published opening times.

What you can do here

Canyoning

Abseiling, sliding and jumping down the watercourse itself — the only way to see the inside of many falls.

Find canyoning here

White-water rafting

Below a great waterfall there is usually a great gorge, and in that gorge some of the biggest commercially runnable water on earth.

Find white-water rafting here

Hiking

From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.

Photography

Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.

When to go

Water is released on a regulated schedule for hydroelectric use, so flow is strongest at published opening times.

Entry: Entry ~10-12 EUR

Getting there

Base townTerni
AirportFCO
CountryItaly
RegionUmbria, Europe
AccessModerate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail

Flights to FCO Car hire Route options

On the map

42.5494, 12.7203

Quick answers

How tall is Cascata delle Marmore?

Cascata delle Marmore drops 165 metres (541 feet). It is a tiered-type waterfall on the Velino.

When is the best time to visit Cascata delle Marmore?

Peak flow is April to May and September to October. Water is released on a regulated schedule for hydroelectric use, so flow is strongest at published opening times.

What can you do at Cascata delle Marmore?

Beyond the viewpoints: canyoning, white-water rafting, hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail.

How do you get to Cascata delle Marmore?

The usual base is Terni, and the closest airport is FCO. A real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail from there. Entry ~10-12 EUR.