We have written about Marmore Falls previously in the context of adventure. However, if you have found a villa in Umbria and are planning on heading to this fascinating attraction, there could be another objective on the agenda: romance. Sure, there is plenty of adventure to be had in the area – canyoning (traversing the mountain by ropes, sliding on toboggans and diving into pools below), canoeing and trying out hydrospeed (a flotation device you hold on to and which allows you to be flung about on the current of the river) – but it is also an exceptionally beautiful place, built for strolls, holding hands, and admiring the incredibly romantic surroundings.
Marmore Falls is actually an ancient man-made waterfall in Umbria that was created by the Romans in 271 BC. One of the tallest waterfalls in Europe and the tallest man-made waterfall in the world, it is surrounded by lots of hiking trails and is a lush and scenic spot that is incredibly lovely, like something plucked from the pages of a fairytale; impossibly green plants draped over the rocks and cave openings, regular rainbows seen over the falls, the relaxing sound of rushing water, and, of course, Il Balcone degli Innamorati (or the Balcony of Lovers).
Marmore Falls is actually an ancient man-made waterfall in Umbria that was created by the Romans in 271 BC. One of the tallest waterfalls in Europe and the tallest man-made waterfall in the world, it is surrounded by lots of hiking trails and is a lush and scenic spot that is incredibly lovely, like something plucked from the pages of a fairytale; impossibly green plants draped over the rocks and cave openings, regular rainbows seen over the falls, the relaxing sound of rushing water, and, of course, Il Balcone degli Innamorati (or the Balcony of Lovers).
Il Balcone degli Innamorati (or the Balcony of Lovers) is a balcony carved out of the cliff face, beneath the waterfall, that is located at the end of a tunnel through the cave systems in the cliff. Follow the marked path and go through the low tunnel and, after about twenty minutes you will emerge at the balcony, with the first jump of the falls rushing ahead of you, right over the balcony opening. It is said to have the shape of a bridal veil and is steeped in local legends. The older of these legends connects the falls to the Greek myth of the nymph Nera, who was the daughter of the God Apennines (a personification of the mountain range) who fell in love with a shepherd named Velino and incurred the wrath of Juno, who wished to crush the love between a human and an immortal. Nera was transformed into the Nera River that now flows through the falls and Velino, not wanting to be separated from his love, threw himself into the water. The waterfall, then, is a symbol of the eternal launch of this man in the name of love and the meeting of two lovers, jumping as it does, endlessly, into the water below. Another, later, tale says that the balcony was formed by St Valentine himself (who was patron saint of Terni, the province of the Falls, and first bishop of the city) to prove the purity of the beautiful Nerina, who was doubted by her spouse and his companions.
Today, the balcony is connected to more, but perhaps somewhat less legendary, love stories as it is a popular spot for couples who brave getting a shot together underneath the roaring waters of the waterfalls, as it runs past and over the balcony. If you have found a vacation rental in Umbria and are spending time in the area with your love and are looking for a romantic date spot, it is ideal. However, if you have yet to find your one true love, fear not, if you can put up with the lovey-dovey couples, it is still a truly beautiful place well worth visiting and seeing for yourself. Plus, while you’re in the area, as we noted at the beginning of this article, you will find lots of other things to do. So, get out and explore this rather extraordinary little corner of Italy for yourself!