Cascate delle Marmore

East of Terni beyond the industrial suburb of Papigno, to the right of the Ferentillo road (S.S. 209), are the Cascate delle Marmore, the falls formed by the River Velino at its confluence with the Nera. The falls were created by a Roman consul in 271 B.C. to prevent further marshiness of the area (colored illuminations between May and August). The falls plunge down vertically in three leaps, a total drop of 165m/545ft. The best view is from the Cascate tram stop. From here it is possible to cross the Nera on a natural bridge and climb up on a steep path and flights of steps to a series of lookout terraces, joining the road from Terni to Rieti after some 45minutes' walk.