Farneta Hydroelectric Plant

The Farneta plant is a hydroelectric facility in the Apennines that channels water down twin pipelines from a mountain reservoir to produce electrical power. The entire system exploits a vertical drop of roughly 330 meters and combines practical turbine engineering with historic building structures.

The facility was built between 1924 and 1928 and named after engineer Romeo Melli, who directed the project. Its construction incorporated advanced earthquake-resistant methods that were necessary for a mountain region at that time.

The turbine hall has marble flooring and displays Liberty-style architectural elements, an Italian take on Art Nouveau design from the early 1900s. Visitors can observe how the building's design balances practical engineering with decorative details from that era.

The facility sits in hilly terrain, so visitors should expect uneven ground and changing elevations as they explore the site. Sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing help make the walk around the installation more comfortable.

The power station operates within two overlapping protected nature reserves that form an important green zone in the central Apennines. This location makes it one of the rare places where energy production and environmental conservation coexist.