The charming town in southern Umbria is renowned for its natural beauty. A must-see is the Marmore Falls, the highest man-made waterfalls in the world, offering a breathtaking spectacle. In the town's heart, the Basilica di San Valentino, dedicated to the patron saint of lovers, beckons visitors, earning the town its nickname, the City of Lovers. Other notable attractions include the Nera River Park, the archaeological park Carsulae, and the medieval Barbarasa Tower.
Another gem is the Cathedral of Terni, which impresses with its frescoes and architectural details. Nature lovers will enjoy the nearby Lago di Piediluco, which provides a picturesque setting and opportunities for hiking and relaxation by the water.
Top Highlights of Terni
Breathtaking Natural Spectacle
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Cascata delle Marmore
Terni
If you’re near Terni, don't miss the magnificent waterfalls. At 165 meters high, they are the tallest artificial waterfalls in the world! It’s astonishing, but this marvel is a testament to Roman engineering, created in 271 BC to drain the Velino plain. The three majestic tiers cascade thunderously, making for a breathtaking sight. A perfect day trip, especially in the summer heat, with a chance to cool off depending on the path you take. Viewpoint No. 2, for instance, might get you wet.
Popular Rowing Paradise
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Lago di Piediluco
Terni
Nestled in the gentle foothills of the Apennines, Lake Piediluco offers a picturesque landscape that inspired 19th-century artists like Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot. Once part of the ancient Lacus Velinus, the lake, sitting at 375 meters above sea level, now draws visitors with its serene waters—perfect for water sports like rowing. It’s no surprise that Italy’s national rowing team trains here.
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Belvedere Pennarossa inferiore
Terni
Open-air museum of the Roman era
Carsulae
Terni
Just 4 km north of San Gemini, tucked away in the rolling green Martani Mountains, lie the atmospheric ruins of Carsulae - once a bustling Roman city, founded around 300 BC. Its rise was largely thanks to the Via Flaminia, one of ancient Rome’s most important consular roads, built in 220 BC. Today, what remains is a peaceful open-air museum where timeworn stones and crumbling arches tell stories of a once-glorious past.
Place of relaxation
La Passeggiata
Terni
Centrally located, just a stone’s throw from the cathedral and Roman amphitheater, the Passeggiata is perfect for a leisurely stroll. The park showcases a rich botanical diversity, featuring century-old linden trees, cedars from Lebanon and the Himalayas, and rare hornbeam species. Its cool, shaded spots offer an ideal escape on hot summer days.
The Heart of Lovers
Basilica di San Valentino
Terni
The Basilica of San Valentino in Terni sits in a scenic spot, just 2 km from the city center, on the grounds of a former Christian cemetery. This elegant Baroque church, built over the tomb of St. Valentine—the first bishop of Terni and a martyr — combines simplicity with architectural beauty. Every year on February 14, couples flock to the basilica to receive a blessing and vow eternal love.
Visit the Crypt
Terni Cathedral
Terni
In the heart of Terni, on Piazza del Duomo, stands the impressive Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, whose roots date back to the 2nd century. Built over a pagan temple, this cathedral reflects the city's tumultuous history and is a beautiful example of Romanesque and Baroque architecture. Particularly striking are the ornate façade with its portico and the impressive interiors, which house works by artists such as Guido Reni, who created the painting "Noli me tangere," and Domenico Corsi, known for the intricately carved wooden choir from 1559.
Porta Sant'Angelo
Terni
Magical View for Lovers and Adventurers
Balcone degli Innamorati
Terni
The Lovers' Balcony, a small rocky ledge carved into the travertine walls of the Marmore Falls, isn't the easiest spot to reach—but that's exactly what makes it so special. The narrow tunnel leading to the viewpoint was hewn into the rock during early 20th-century work on the Pio Canal. At the end of the passage, you're rewarded with a breathtaking view of the thundering falls—so close you can feel the cool spray on your skin.
Majolica Tiles & Frescoes
San Francesco
Terni
The Chiesa di San Francesco, located on Piazza San Francesco, was built in 1265 on the site of an older chapel where St. Francis himself often preached 40 years earlier. One of its most striking features is the bell tower, completed in 1445 and adorned with colorful majolica tiles, which defines the skyline of Terni. The Cappella Paradisi, with its intricate decoration, is also a highlight. Its 14th-century frescoes of the Last Judgment by Bartolomeo di Tommaso vividly depict scenes of paradise, hell, and the seven deadly sins.
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