Lower Cascata della Marmore
Located in Umbria, near Terni, Cascata della Marmore (Marmore’s Falls) is the largest man-made waterfall in the world. This three tiered falls, the longest 83 m (272 feet), drops a total of 165 m (541 feet). In 271 BC the Roman consul Manlius Curius Dentatus ordered the construction of a canal to redirect the flow of the Velino River into the natural cliff at Marmore. At that time the river fed a wetland that was thought to cause sickness (most likely malaria) in the nearby city of Rieti. The newly constructed canal solved the wetland problem, but threatened the city of Terni when the river reached flood stage. A major rift developed between the two cities and grew to where the Roman Senate had to get involved in 54 BC. They didn’t solve anything.
Over the centuries three Popes ordered construction of a new canal, each time hoping to solve flooding problems. The third attempt, thanks to architect Andrea Vici in 1787 modifying the leaps below the falls to their present appearance resolved most of the problems. For nearly 50 years the waters of Marmore Waterfalls are used to fuel a hydroelectric power plant. For the power plants operational needs and to satisfy tourists the fall is turned on at scheduled times, creating an incredible effect at full flow. I had great fun snapping pictures of this event as Fred and I made our way down the long, wet and winding staircase from the top of the falls to the bottom.
Note to my JPG friends: I posted these shots shortly after I joined JPG in September of 2008, but thought the top level shot would work well for this theme.
18 responses
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Sonia Adam Murray gave props (24 Oct 2009):
This is an awesome series Deborah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Leslie Hunziker gave props (24 Oct 2009):
Absolutely breathtaking!!
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Donald Garrett gave props (25 Oct 2009):
Exquisite image, Deb
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Susan Littlefield gave props (25 Oct 2009):
Wonderful image, beautiful area.
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Mary Ann Reilly gave props (25 Oct 2009):
full of power and glory/
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Michael Ball gave props (25 Oct 2009):
WOW!! Beautiful capture Deborah!! You know I love waterfalls. Gorgeous in the lightbox!
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david ong gave props (25 Oct 2009):
love it!!!!! beautiful!!!
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JOE FAILK gave props (25 Oct 2009):
Beautiful Capture well done!
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Nelson Campbell gave props (25 Oct 2009):
These shots are magnificent.....Just no real way to express it - I enjoy the information so as well..
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Andrea Petersen gave props (27 Oct 2009):
Oh I so admire anyone that can capture beautiful images of waterfalls like this and this is breathtaking!...Enjoyed reading your interesting story of how this came about.
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lowison gave props (28 Oct 2009):
We went there: wonderful place and emotional shot Deb!!
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Regenia Brabham gave props (28 Oct 2009):
I think this is my favorite of your beautiful series. I love the composition. The movement is fantastic. The shot is breathtaking.
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eithne mythen gave props (28 Oct 2009):
Delightful captur, love all the shots but this is my fav by far. It is a spectacular shot, well done..
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eithne mythen gave props (28 Oct 2009):
And now I've seen it in the lightbox, A+++++++++++
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Tori Lindo gave props (28 Oct 2009):
These are gorgeous, this one is my favorite!
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Lanis Rossi gave props (28 Oct 2009):
Well Photographed!
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Judy Wanamaker gave props (28 Oct 2009):
The series is fabulous. The volume of water coming down the falls is really impressive. Great captures, Deb. Very beautifully done.
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Warren ~Mangione~ gave props (28 Oct 2009):
I agree with everyone above! This is fabulous, Deborah! In the LB it is extraordinary!
