In the vicinity of the city of Terni in Italy, you will find one of the highest waterfalls in Europe, known as Cascata delle Marmore or Marmores Falls. Not only is it renowned for its impressive height, but it is also famous for its artificial origin.

The creation of Marmores Falls can be attributed to ancient Roman engineering. According to Arkeonews, the structure stands at an impressive height of 165 meters, as stated by Argumenty Nedeli.

Back in 271 BC, the Romans designed a unique hydraulic system to create the appearance of the waterfall. Planet Today reports that the Velino River, which served as a significant tributary, used to form a continuous sheet of water, leading to frequent floods. This posed a serious threat to the residents of the city of Rieti.

In an effort to address this issue, the Roman architect Manlius Carus Dentatus constructed a canal to divert the water from the Velino River towards the Nera River, flowing through the city of Terni. However, this solution proved to be unsuccessful. The dams could not withstand the force of the Velino River, and the water broke through, endangering the lives of the city’s residents. Eventually, other engineers attempted to build canals, but their efforts also failed.

It wasn’t until 1787, when Pope Pius VI commissioned the renowned Franco-Italian architect Andrea Vici to restore the hydraulic system, that the problem of flooding was finally addressed. Vici managed to redirect the course of the river, creating a magnificent artificial waterfall that still exists today. This solution effectively resolved the issue of water overflow.

In the late 18th century, the Marmores Falls were harnessed to generate electricity, primarily for the industrial complex of Terni and surrounding areas.

To this day, the Marmores Falls continue to operate and remain a significant tourist attraction. Furthermore, they play a vital role as a source of hydroelectric power.

Report by NEWS.am