Marmore Falls
Timetable last updated: 15 July 2026 · Source: the official Cascata delle Marmore schedule (published in Italian; we translate it here as soon as it changes). We live in the village above the falls and check this page monthly.
Marmore Falls is switched on and off. The River Velino normally feeds the Galleto hydroelectric power station; at published times each day the plant releases the water over the cliff instead, and the falls go – within a few minutes – from a quiet veil to full thunder. If you only plan one thing about your visit, plan around this timetable.
This month’s water release times — July 2026
| Days | Park open | Water ON |
|---|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | 10:00–19:00 | 11:00–13:00 and 15:00–18:00 |
| Saturdays | 9:00–22:30 | 10:00–13:00, 15:00–19:00 and 21:00–22:00 (evening release) |
| Sundays | 9:00–22:30 | 10:00–19:00 continuous, plus 21:00–22:00 |
Looking ahead — August 2026: every day (Ferragosto included) the park runs 9:00–22:30 with water on 10:00–19:00 and 21:00–22:00 – the year’s most generous schedule.
Source: the official opening times page (Italian). The park itself warns times can change – we re-check this page monthly and before holiday weekends, and show our checked date above.
How the release actually works (worth reading once)
A siren sounds shortly before the water is released – if you hear it, you’re about to see the best free show in Umbria, so get to a viewpoint. The falls take a few minutes to build to full flow. Releases are longest at weekends and on Italian holidays; on some winter weekdays there is no release at all, which is the single most common cause of disappointed reviews. On summer Saturday evenings the release runs late with the falls illuminated – if your dates allow one thing, allow that.
The rules of thumb (when the timetable isn’t in front of you)
- Off-season weekdays: expect two windows – around midday and late afternoon.
- Weekends, bridges and holidays: long continuous releases through the day.
- Summer Saturdays: evening release with illuminations.
- December: a special Christmas programme with illuminated evening openings.
- January–February weekdays: check before you drive – some days have no water.
These are patterns, not promises – the Comune adjusts the schedule monthly, which is exactly why this page exists.
Timing your visit around the release
Our local’s routine: arrive 45 minutes before the release, walk to your chosen viewpoint while the paths are quiet, watch the switch-on (the transformation is the point – the before/after is what you’ll remember), then do the trails at full flow. If you’re eating afterwards, book – the nearby tables fill on release-time rhythms too.
Frequently asked questions
Why is there a timetable at all?
The water works for a living. Since the 1920s the Velino has fed the Galleto hydroelectric plant; tourist releases are scheduled windows when the flow is sent over the falls instead. The full story is on our history page.
What happens if I arrive outside release hours?
You’ll see the cliff, the gorge and a modest veil of water – impressive geology, absent drama. The park is still open; the falls just aren’t performing. Time your ticket to the window.
Is the siren dangerous?
It’s a warning to stay out of the riverbed, which you should never be in anyway. On the marked paths and balconies you’re safe – just expect spray on Trail 1’s Lovers’ Balcony (trails guide).
Where do I check the official schedule?
The official site publishes the full-year calendar (in Italian) at cascatadellemarmore.info/orari-e-aperture; we translate each month here within 48 hours of any change. If our date stamp above looks stale, tell us – we fix things fast.