Cascate delle Marmore, Italy by Zumzum

Initially built as am means of reducing the threat of malaria back in 271 B.C., the Cascate delle Marmore was formed when a canal was created to drain the wetlands over the edge of the cliffs. The flood waters drained into the Nera River which can be found at the bottom of the cliffs. The falls are now a very popular tourist attraction in the area.

The Cascate delle Marmore can be found about 8 kilometers from the city of Terni. The falls are fed by the Velino River which also flows through the nearby hydroelectric power station. The flow of water through the Cascate delle Marmore is controlled based on a preset schedule. This is so that the tourists can still marvel at the falls, while not overly affecting the power generation of the plant. Most tourists to the area make their plans ahead of schedule to ensure they are there the moment the gates are opened and the water starts gushing down the Cascate delle Marmore.

Built back in 1929, the Galleto power plant is fed by Piediluco Lake and produces 530 megawatts of power for the cities around the area. During the slow times of the day, when power generation is not as important, the falls are turned on. This occurs daily between noon and 1 as well as between 4 and 5 in the afternoon.

The post Cascate delle Marmore – the world’s biggest and oldest human-made waterfall paradise | Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.

Cascate del Serio, Lombardy, Italy by Marco Chiesa

The source of the Cascate del Serio is from the Serio River which is fed by the Bergamo Alps. It was back in 1931 when the Barbellino Dam was built and created the Lago di Barbellino reservoir. This reservoir is used as a source of energy for the local hydroelectric powerplant. As a result, like many of the waterfalls in Italy, it is only open a few times throughout the year.

It is therefore important that if you plan on visiting the region in order to check out the Cascate del Serio, that you need to prepare accordingly and ensure that you are able to make it to the village on the exact day and time that the floodgates are open and the waterfalls began rushing once again. But just remember, that when the waterfall is turned on, it is only going to be visible for about 30 minutes. As a result of the rarity in which the falls are turned on, you will quickly find out upon arriving to the region that there are many other people interested in seeing this rare event.

Long before the existence of the reservoir and the hydroelectric powerplant, there was a romantic legend that was associated with the waterfalls. The legend of the Cascate del Serio speaks of a local girl who had fallen in love with a shepherd boy who had already been engaged. Not wanting to lose her shepherd, she kidnapped fiancée and locked her away forever. The girl cried out for her loss and those tears created the Cascate del Serio.

Opening hours of Cascate del Serio in 2013

Cascate del Serio is planned to be opened in 2013 as follows:

• Sunday 16th June 2013 – 11:00 – 11:30
• Saturday 20th July 2013 – 22:00 – 22:30
• Sunday 18th August 2013 – 11:00 – 11:30
• Sunday 15th September 2013 – 11:00 – 11:30
• Sunday 6th October 2013 – 11:00 – 11:30

The post Cascate del Serio – tallest waterfall in Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.