Ternano

<< Umbria

The Province of Terni occupies the southern part of Umbria. The provincial capital offers a few interesting attractions, and it is surrounded by beautiful small towns among the hills. The historic city of Orvieto is instead located in the west of the province.

Terni

Terni is the second largest city in Umbria, located in the south of the region. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Terni was an important Umbrian settlement and then a Roman town. In the Middle Ages it was ruled by the Duchy of Spoleto and later the Papal States, joining Italy when the country was unified. The city is now an industrial center, but it is known to tourists for its proximity to the Marmore Falls.

✪ Marmore Falls

The Marmore Falls (Cascata delle Marmore) is the largest man-made waterfall in the world, located in the hills east of the Terni. In ancient times, the Velino river, that flows in the highlands around Rieti, ended in a marshland, so in 271 BCE the Romans decided to build a canal to divert the river toward a natural cliff, allowing the waters to fall into the Nera river below and creating the Marmore Falls. After centuries of neglect, maintenance works were made starting in the 15th century. Since the 19th century, the waterfalls have been used to generate electricity. Today the water flows only for a few hours a day, but the Marmore Falls are nevertheless one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region.

Amphitheatrum Faustus

The Amphitheatrum Faustus (Anfiteatro Fausto) is a Roman amphitheater built in Terni in the 1st century. Once capable of hosting 10,000 spectators, it was partially destroyed and demolished over the centuries. Now restored, it serves as a venue for outdoor shows and events.

Terni Cathedral

Also known as: Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta)

The Terni Cathedral (Duomo di Terni) is the main church in the city, built in various phases since the Early Middle Ages. The church features a long portico and hosts various artworks and an ancient crypt. A museum of religious art is hosted in the palace adjacent to the cathedral.

Palazzo Spada

Palazzo Spada is an imposing 16th-century palace in Terni, that now serves as city hall. The palace is an example of Renaissance architecture, and features various richly frescoed halls.

Basilica of San Valentino

The Basilica of San Valentino is a church located at the southern outskirts of Terni. A first church was built here around the 4th century, over the burial site of Saint Valentine, who was born in Terni and is now famous as the patron saint of lovers. The current building was erected in Baroque style during the 17th century, and it hosts the supposed body of the saint.

Archaeological Area of Carsulae

Carsulae was a Roman town located north of Terni. The settlement was probably founded by the Umbrians, and in Roman times it developed thanks to its position along the Via Flaminia. However, the town was abandoned in the Early Middle Ages for some unclear reason. The archaeological area of Carsulae includes the ruins of a theater, an amphitheater, an arch, and numerous other structures.

Ferentillo

Ferentillo is a tiny town located among the hills east of Terni. The town, which hosts various historic attractions, is divided into two villages called Matterella and Precetto.

Museum of the Mummies of Ferentillo

The Museum of the Mummies (Museo delle Mummie) is a peculiar museum in Ferentillo that displays numerous mummies found in the crypt of the medieval Chruch of Santo Stefano, where the deceased were buried between the 16th century and 1806.

Narni

Narni is a town located on top of a hill west of Terni. Inhabited since prehistoric times, it was a Roman town with the name Narnia, and remained for centuries a small regional center. British writer C. S. Lewis, author of The Chronicles of Narnia, named his imaginary land after this town.

Eroli Museum

The Eroli Museum (Museo Eroli) is a museum of local history in Narni. The museum hosts a collection of archaeological finds, fossils, and artworks, including a 15th-century altarpiece by Ghirlandaio.

Rocca Albornoziana

The Rocca Albornoziana is a 14th-century fort erected under the rule of the Papal States just south of Narni. The imposing fortress is still very well preserved, and is now used to host temporary art exhibitions.

Orticoli

Orticoli is a tiny town at the southern edge of the Province of Terni, along the border with Lazio. In ancient times, it was the site of a Roman town.

Archaeological Park of Ocriculum

The Archaeological Park of Ocriculum (Parco Archeologico di Ocriculum) houses the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Ocriculum, located along the Tiber river. Founded by the Umbrians, the town was destroyed in the Early Middle Ages by the Lombards. The ruins include a theater, an amphitheater, a thermal complex, and a few other structures.