Discover the magic of the Marmore Falls, Europe’s highest waterfall at 165 meters, where nature and history blend to create an unforgettable experience and breathtaking views.
The Marmore Falls is a masterpiece of human ingenuity, dating back to Curio Dentato (300–270 BC), who altered the hydraulic system of Lake Piediluco and the Velino River, creating a spectacle of extraordinary beauty. Celebrated and depicted by renowned artists, the falls embody the harmonious relationship between man and nature.
This grand feat of hydraulic engineering was initially created for land reclamation, later repurposed for energy production and improving living conditions.
The Marmore Falls in 100 Steps
To explore the charm of the falls, visitors are invited to navigate the park via a network of bridges and wooden walkways connecting the Lower and Upper Belvedere viewpoints. Get close to the majestic flow of water and immerse yourself in lush vegetation and mysterious caves.
For a deeper exploration, expert-guided tours lasting 30 to 60 minutes are available. These tours cover the most iconic areas of the Marmore Falls, from the Lower Belvedere entrance to Byron Square, and provide insights into the history, natural features, and biodiversity of this unique site.
The falls can be experienced through six trails of varying difficulty, surrounded by verdant forests, mossy wetlands, and scenic meadows.
The Magic of the Falls at Night
Nighttime guided tours offer visitors the most thrilling experience of the Marmore Falls. Immerse yourself in a breathtaking atmosphere, enhanced by the roaring water and artificial lighting that provides perfect nighttime visibility.
The nighttime exploration starts at the Belvedere terrace, where you can admire the magnificent view of the Velino River plunging 165 meters in three drops, the tallest being a majestic 90-meter cascade.
Night tours are held only during summer and include safety equipment provided by the organization and included in the ticket price.
These tours cover Trails 2 and 3 of the Lower Belvedere, unveiling the secrets of this magical and untouched place. Guides share information about the falls’ flora, fauna, and ancient legends surrounding its creation.
Biodiversity Guided Tour
The Marmore Falls is not just a visual spectacle but also a treasure of biodiversity. It is part of the Natura 2000 European Network as a Site of Community Importance and Special Protection Area.
Guided walks through the park’s trails reveal a variety of plant species, including rare and unique ones. A Botanical Guide offers explanations to enhance your appreciation of the habitat’s beauty.
Visitors can also explore the Botanical Education Center, managed in collaboration with the University of Perugia, which offers resources like microscopes, herbariums, books, and audio-visual materials.
Speleological Excursion
The area around the falls is composed of travertine deposits and porous rock. The intense water circulation has created cavities, caves, and karst formations featuring stalactites and stalagmites.
This network of natural caves, stretching over a kilometer, can be explored with the help of a guide. These underground journeys reveal the geological history of the area and showcase stunning formations, including fossilized plants, delicate filigree, and massive stalactites.
Key cave complexes include:
- Grotta della Morta and Grotta delle Diaclasi: 287 meters in length and 23 meters deep.
- Grotta delle Colonne: Comprised of two non-connecting chambers.
- Grotta della Condotta: Over 190 meters long, partially collapsed.
The Gnefro’s Fairy Walk
The Gnefro’s Fairy Walk” is an animated tour for children, following the trail of the Gnefro, the waterfall’s mythical sprite. Through his tales, visitors learn the legend of the shepherd Velino and the nymph Nera, whose love story, according to legend, gave birth to the Marmore Falls.
Children and adults alike will be enchanted by the Gnefro’s storytelling, brought to life with costumes and captivating performances. This family-friendly adventure begins at the Campacci di Marmore Playground and lasts 45 minutes, offering a magical experience among towering trees and mythical tales.
Parents can join for free, making it a memorable and enchanting outing for the whole family.