Tiber River Park: where the Capital's river reaches Umbria

The Parco Fluviale del Tevere (Tiber River Park) winds like a green ribbon along the banks of Italy's most famous river, embracing territories of extraordinary beauty in Umbria, between Terni and Perugia. Here, nature has sculpted breathtaking masterpieces, where the water dances between millenary rocks and whispering reeds.

The Gola del Forello (Forello Gorge) emerges like a miniature canyon, where the Tiber river snakes between calcareous walls that guard ancient geological secrets. The impetuous roar of the water flowing between the smooth boulders creates a natural symphony that accompanies every step along the trails. The cool, humid air carries the scent of riparian vegetation, while ferns and mosses cover every recess like green velvet.

But the true jewel of this natural paradise is the Oasi di Alviano (Alviano Oasis), a body of water born from human ingenuity that nature has transformed into a sanctuary for wildlife. This artificial basin, created by the Corbara dam, has become one of Europe's most precious wetlands, internationally recognized for its ecological importance.

At dawn, when the mist dances on the water's surface, the most exciting spectacle begins: thousands of migratory birds come to life in a breathtaking aerial ballet. Grey Herons stand motionless like statues among the reeds, while Kingfishers dart like blue arrows above the crystalline water. Binoculars become magical windows onto a secret world, where every season brings new winged wonders.

The Oasis Visitor Center offers guided tours and equipped observatories that allow visitors to admire the fauna without disturbing it. The paths wind between weeping willows and trembling poplars, creating shady corridors where time seems to slow down.

How to Get There

• From Rome: Take the A1 motorway to the Orte exit, then follow the SS205 towards Terni. For the Oasi di Alviano, exit at Guardea and follow the signs.
• From Perugia: Take the E45 towards Rome and exit at Alviano Scalo.
• Parking/Access: Parking is free and located right next to the visitor center, which is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM with free entry year-round.

Photo credits: Dawid Skalec - licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.