Water in different versions is another tourist attraction for many travelers, who seek it around the globe. There are many who go after the Geneva geyser, in Switzerland; the geothermal spa in the Blue Lagoon, south of Iceland; or the Plitvice Lakes National Park, in Croatia. All of them, natural enclaves that are increasingly crowded due to their summer attraction. However, one less known than the previous ones is the 27 meter waterfall that runs through the historic center of a small Italian town.
This waterfall is located in the historic center of Isola del Liria municipality of 12,124 inhabitants in the Lazio region. The town is home to a natural phenomenon that distinguishes it from any other town in Italy: a 27-meter waterfall runs through its urban heart, turning it into a unique setting where nature and medieval architecture coexist in an exceptional way. This spectacle, known as the Cascata Grande, is ranked second among the ten natural wonders of the country, according to the American magazine Men’s Health.
The origin of this uniqueness is found in the geography of the place. Isola del Liri, whose name in the local dialect is Lisera, extends over an island formed by the Liri River, which, when it forks in the center of the town, gives rise to two waterfalls. The first, the Cascata Grande, impressive both for its height and for the noise and fog it generates; while the second, the Cascata del Valcatoio, although less visually impressive, maintains a similar drop of twenty-seven meters on a slope of approximately one hundred and sixty meters. The latter also channels part of its flow to feed an electrical production plant, which gives it a functional value in addition to its landscape value.
With an area of sixteen square kilometers and just over 100 kilometers from Rome, Isola del Liri has established itself as a destination that attracts both tourists and nature lovers. The presence of the waterfall in the heart of the urban center constitutes a unique case in Italy, which has contributed to its growing popularity and its inclusion among the most recommended places for those seeking visual experiences outside the traditional Italian cities of art, according to publications Men’s Health.
However, the town’s architectural heritage reinforces its attractiveness. He Boncompagni Viscogliosi castledeclared a national monument and considered one of the best preserved buildings in the province of Frosinone, stands on a block of travertine and plays a fundamental role in shaping the local landscape. The fortress, built around the year 1000, was the residence of the Della Rovere and, later, of the Boncompagni family. It was not until the 17th century when Costanza Sforza transformed it into a stately residence, enriching its rooms with frescoes, high reliefs and sculptures.
The influence of the industry is also perceived in the recent history of Isola del Liri. The Villa Nota Pisani, ordered to be built by the Lefebrve family, founders in 1816 of the paper industry homonymous, it was inhabited by its descendants until the beginning of the 20th century. This industrial legacy adds to the elements that make up the identity of the town, integrating tradition, nature and economic development.
The combination of these factors has made Isola del Liri a reference for those looking for unique destinations in Italy. The presence of the Cascata Grande in the historic center, the architectural richness of the Boncompagni Viscogliosi castle and the footprint of the paper industry make up a group that, according to the American magazine, fully justifies its inclusion among the natural and cultural wonders of the country.
