The park runs from the waterfall of Marmore to the lower parts of the river Nera Ferentillo, about 18 km. The park is 2,120 ha. big.

Marmore

The largest waterfall in Italy the Cascate delle Marmore is part of this park. The overwhelming spectacle of the waterfall is well worth a visit. The river Velino collapsed in three stages down from a height of 165 m. And then enters the river Nera. The falls are from above (superiore) or lower (inferiore) accessible. Around it is a park, where you can spend a day.

Artificial?

In ancient times the river Velino was not on the Nera as now, but faltered in the reed plain of Rieti plain. In 271 BC. The Romans decided to link the two rivers together via a channel, the Cavo Curiano, the current supply to the waterfall. So basically the waterfall is not a natural but an artificial waterfall.

Since the rearrangement forms the Marmore the center of the whole river system of Central Italy and they cause a major battle between the proponents and opponents of its expansion. In the 15th and 16th centuries the Popes gave the order to expand the system considerably. Around 1920, the falls were again adapted for generating power and are thus an important source of energy.

The waterfall is only a few hours a “on”, the rest of the day, the water flows through pipes to the power station. Please note if you want to visit the waterfall, because it really is a difference a squirting or a trickling waterfall!

around the waterfall is a park, where you have to pay admission. This is worth to see the waterfall from all sides and to photograph. There are 5 trails through varying difficulty. They are clearly marked so that they are easy to follow. There is also an educational centre, where you can see plants that grow in the area. With the ticket you can also use the shuttle bus, which runs to the park entrance up to the entrance down and vice versa.

Opening hours: June, July and August:
Opening park: Mon-Fri: 10:00- 22:00 hours; Sat-Sun: 9:00-22:00 hours.
Gushing waterfall: Mon-Fri: 11:00-13:00 16:00-18:00 and 21:00-22:00, Sat-Sun: 10:00-13:00 15:00-22:00 hours.
Info: www.marmorefalls.it

Sports & Activities

Water is an important element in the park and there are many water sports such as rafting, canoeingën and kayaking.
Ferentillo at the end of the park to the Nera is an important climbing centre. Also Monte Franco, a small town halfway to Nera in a beautiful location is a centre for mountaineering. There are countless opportunities to learn mountaineering and there are many walls that are also suitable for beginners.