Marmore Falls

                                                                   AMORE MARMORE

It fills the air, drifting on the currents and wisping through the leaves; the tiny droplets brightening the sky as they slowly, inexorably, fall to earth.  The roar means that you have to shout to communicate but, who needs to talk when you’re transfixed on the power and majesty of what’s before you.  Leaves flex violently in the katabatic wind that pulsates with the torrent as the light dazzles on the shafts of penetrating light.  This is one of the wonders of Italy, indeed, Europe, as Cascate Delle Marmore is listed as the highest waterfall in Europe and the biggest man made one in the world.

The fact that it’s partly influenced by man seems to matter little when you’re viewing the spectacle, in fact, its history makes it more interesting for many.  Roman consul Curio Dentato was the driving force behind connecting the two basins of the Nero and Velino.  The latter’s waters had become a huge stagnant pond when not flooding which facilitated mosquito breeding amongst other things.  Most people aren’t aware that malaria was a huge problem during Roman times and may actually have contributed significantly to the fall of the empire.  It took nearly another two thousand years before what we see today was engineered.

Today, it’s the people buzzing around this wonder of thunder that are more numerous and the Velino spits its energy over the edge.  A 1929 hydro-electric station is situated conveniently out of sight at the top and it produces 530 megawatts which has helped fuel industrial growth in nearby cities such as Terni. 

If you’re there at the right time you can also get a rainbow effect as the light refracts off the drifting mist towards the bottom of the 165 metre drop as it spreads its thrust in different directions.  I say the right time because the flow is controlled and you have to check which day you plan to go so that you don’t miss the spectacle.  It costs, per adult, 10 euros to go and see them so they’re making a killing as tens of thousands flock here to view the rampant waters as they tear past man made paths with breathtaking force to ultimately go where the white water rafters can take up the challenge as the combined rivers become slightly more benign.