Le Grazie

Narni in Italy is an old and beautiful hill-town that is located in the central Italian region of Umbria and is often better known by its ancient Roman name of Narnia.

The town is not the snowy wonderland from C.S. Lewis' famous series of books but it did inspire the author in his creation of that beloved fictional universe. He never visited Narni but knew of the town from reading Roman history and writers such as Tacitus, Livy, and Pliny the Elder.

Lewis' former secretary also noted that had specifically told him that the name on the atlas had inspired him in the writing of his Chronicles.

Located about 50 miles north of Rome, it is a place that any fans of Narnia will find interesting if they have found a vacation rental in Rome and are planning for day trips during their stay.

The Marmore’s Falls or Cascate delle Marmore near Terni is a spectacular man-made waterfall which stands at a dizzying height of 165 metres in Umbria. Created by the ancient Romans, it’s one of the highest waterfalls in Italy and the tallest man-made waterfall in the world.

Stay at a beautiful holiday villa in Macerino which is located close to the Cascate delle Marmore and other lovely attractions in the area.

The Cascate delle Marmore is made up of three tiers and was created by directing a flow of water from the nearby River Velino, through Piediluco Lake before pouring down in a steep valley formed by the River Nera.

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).

Bomarzo, a town in Latium in the lower valley of the Tiber, is most well-known for a highly unique attraction. Officially called the Gardens of Bomarzo, they are also referred to as the Sacred Garden, and that most descriptive of names, Bomarzo Monster Park. Created in the 16th century, the gardens are set in a forest at the bottom of a valley beneath Orsini Castle and feature bizarre and fantastical sculptures and small buildings alongside the natural beauty. If you feel like wandering through a Dali painting, this is just the thing for you! Find a luxury villa in Latium and you can explore this truly unique garden for yourself.

Marmore Falls is a man-made waterfall in Umbria which was created by the ancient Romans in 271 BC. One of the tallest waterfalls in Europe and the tallest man-made waterfall in the world, it was constructed in order to divert the stagnant waters of the Velino river away from Rieti because it fed a surrounding wetland and was causing illness.

Today we recognise that the illness in question was probably malaria. The river was diverted to a natural cliff at Marmore nearby and then fell over the edge into the river Nera below.

If you have found a luxury villa in Umbria and are spending time exploring the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region, tasting its delicious cuisine and seeking out adventures, make sure to set some time aside to enjoy the great natural beauty of the region as well. In particular, there is one lake that may not have the brand appeal of Lake Como or Lake Garda but it well worth checking out: Lake Piediluco. With its own charms, great natural beauty, wonderful location and impeccable boating facilities, the lake assures more than one or two good days out for those who go in search of it.