"UMBRIA to visit and taste"

Marmore Falls

Spring has arrived and in this season of rebirth we recommend a trip to the splendid setting of the Marmore Falls (province of Terni).

The power of water at the service of nature: the waterfall, one of the highest in Europe, manifests its maximum splendor in the spring season, although it remains fascinating at all times of the year.

The combination of the effects of light and the sound generated by the waters, which drop from a height of about 160 meters, satisfy the visitor's gaze and make this spectacle of nature unforgettable.  

Created to let the Velino river flow into the Nera river, the Romans began excavating the canal in which all the waters of the swamp that covered the current Rieti plain could flow, taking them towards the edge of the Marmore cliff, where they would then fall with a spectacular fall; in the following centuries, the waterfall underwent further modifications and canalizations, which determined its current appearance.

Today the waterfall has a regulated flow through locks and the flow of water is increased to offer a unique spectacle, also to highlight the contribution offered in the field of renewable energy, in fact part of the water is also used for the production of energy hydroelectric.

A wonderful natural park, the waterfall can be experienced through paths surrounded by lush vegetation, there are 6 itineraries of varying difficulty immersed in woods and wet meadows.

A little suggestion on how to visit the park: by purchasing the entrance ticket you have free access to all the trails, only the lovers' balcony can be visited exclusively with a guided tour (available both online and at the waterfall ticket offices).

Inside the park there are bars and picnic areas. At the Cea (Environmental Education Center) located in the hiking area it is possible to receive information, purchase services and gadgets.

In our tour of Umbria, a visit to this wonder of nature should not be missed, perhaps to be combined with important neighboring cities, among these certainly Terni, the second province of our region rich in history and land of the patron saint of lovers St. Valentine.

 Are you planning to visit the Marmore Falls? You cannot fail to taste something typical, the choice at your disposal is wide, but if you want to go to a simple dish that will amaze you, try the ciriole. It is a poor pasta, made only with water and flour and without egg; similar to tagliolini, but thicker.

It is a long pasta typical of Umbria, where it is known by different names: in Terni it takes the name of ciriole, in Perugia it becomes umbricelli while in Foligno and Spoleto we talk about strangozzi. Its goodness does not change but according to the areas it can change its name.

This pasta goes very well with the 'Terni-style sauce', a simple condiment with four ingredients: fry the garlic and chilli, add the tomato sauce and cook. Once the pasta has been seasoned with the sauce, it is sprinkled with chopped parsley.

Ciriole can also be seasoned with a white sauce with porcini mushrooms, which are found in abundance both in the area of ​​the Marmore Falls and in general throughout Umbria.

Also from the woods, wild asparagus that can be added to this type of pasta, if you want to opt for a white sauce (cook the asparagus in oil with the addition of a clove of garlic), or make a red sauce.

Another combination to taste the ciriole is to sprinkle on a typical product of the Valnerina area, the truffle.

Simple recipes to taste a piece of Umbria, to be easily replicated even at home and made special by the memory of your visit to the waterfall.

Have a nice trip!!! Stay tuned .......