Upper 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.
25 responses
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Leslie Hunziker gave props (24 Oct 2009):
Wow, Deb! Very beautiful and powerful shot!
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dp * gave props (25 Oct 2009):
Interesting read and lovely photo. dp
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Donald Garrett gave props (25 Oct 2009):
Dramatic and wonderful, Deb!
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Susan Littlefield gave props (25 Oct 2009):
I really like all 3 shots, Deb....this one is perfect for the theme!
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Michael Ball gave props (25 Oct 2009):
Fabulous shot and entry!!! This one really shows the power of the falls!
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david ong gave props (25 Oct 2009):
wow, great series Deborah!
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JOE FAILK gave props (25 Oct 2009):
Fantastic entry!! Great in lightbox
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Andrea Petersen gave props (25 Oct 2009):
Love this and it works very well for the theme plus your narrative to support your picture.
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Alexis Gerard gave props (25 Oct 2009):
Just a gorgeous image Deb. Your framing is exquisite
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Maura Wolfson-Foster gave props (25 Oct 2009):
Beyond stunning....!!! :)
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Litz Go gave props (26 Oct 2009):
great capture, very informational caption and perfect theme entry!
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Richard Knight gave props (26 Oct 2009):
Magnificent. What a perfect entry. Wonderful narrative. (I like them, as you may know. LOL.)
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Al Gieryna gave props (26 Oct 2009):
Powerful image, nicely done.
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Steven Maguire gave props (26 Oct 2009):
Splendid capture!!!!
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Andrew Lorimer (Deleted) gave props (27 Oct 2009):
amazing capture so well done !!!
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Regenia Brabham gave props (28 Oct 2009):
This is a beautiful shot. I can almost hear the power of the falls. A terrific entry. I love that you included the history of the falls. I see that the times have not changed since the Roman senate then is much like the American senate today. LOL!!!!!
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eithne mythen gave props (28 Oct 2009):
Perfect capture of the power of the water, well entered..
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Joy B gave props (28 Oct 2009):
Beautifully done! I love the way you composed this!
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Karen Foto Fiddler gave props (28 Oct 2009):
The stories with the photos are so great. A little history to go along is a good thing. You did an excllent job at capturing the strenth and power of the falls! Gorgeous!
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Tori Lindo gave props (28 Oct 2009):
Fabulous falls!
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John Linton gave props (28 Oct 2009):
Oh YEAH...Rockin' JPG's Theme Park.
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Lanis Rossi gave props (28 Oct 2009):
Great Entry!
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Judy Wanamaker gave props (28 Oct 2009):
I agree with all the above descriptions. This is a fabulous entry for the theme.
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Warren ~Mangione~ gave props (28 Oct 2009):
Great history behind the falls and this shot is stunning!
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elfriede fulda gave props (30 Oct 2009):
Exquisite is the key word here,,interesting narrative to go along with this entry..
