Orbetello rises on a thin finger
of land sticking into the middle of the coastal lagoon. The
small island where it stands is surrounded by the Levante and Pontente Lagoon, known respectively as Tombolo della Feniglia and Tombolo della Giannella, that offer the visitor many
kilometers of charming beaches. Its boat-like shape anchored in
the calm waters of the Lagoon is tied to the Monte Argentario
Promontory by an artificial dam built in 1841.
It is a lively
and busy town whose principal resource has always been fishing.
It is no accident that local recipes for the fish from the
lagoon have become famous.
Today it has become an ever more
popular spot for tourists. This is thanks to the beauty of the
sea and the enhancement and preservation of its natural
surroundings with the Nature Reserve of the “Laguna di Orbetello”
and the many modern accommodation facilities, especially the
camping sites.
It was settled by the Etruscans, as the remains
of a polygonal city wall demonstrate. It was dominated by the
Roman Empire to which it owes its name, although exactly what
that was is still under discussion: Orvelus, Urva Tellus or Urbis Tellus?
Circular city, city of herbs or city of Rome?
The uncertainty remains in part because the archives were plundered
in 1455. In any case, it was and is a city that rises from the
sea and because of its particular geographical position has
always been a desirable conquest, not only by noble Italian
families, but by foreign states as well.
After it passed from
the Orsini family to Repubblic of Siena in 1555, it was occupied
by the Spanish who proclaimed it capital of the Stato dei Presidi
and proceeded to build massive fortifications.
The French failed to take it, but the Austrians succeeded and shortly after, in
1736, it passed to the Bourbons of Naples.
Finally in 1815 it was joined to the Grand duchy of Tuscany.
There are many places of interest in the neighborhood of Orbetello. The port of
Talamone, a picturesque and solitary fishing village situated on
a rocky promontory, is built around a 15th century citadel from
which there are spectacular views of the coast and islands.
The modern and well known vacation center to the south of the
lagoon, Ansedonia, is equally known for its importance as an
archeological site.
It was there that the remains of the city of Cosa, an important Roman colony of the 3rd century B.C., was
discovered.
The so-called “Tagliata Etrusca” is found at
seashore of this small promontory. This is a canal cut in the
rock near the Spacco della Regina, a deep and mysterious cavern
which seems almost mythological.
During the summer, the “Festival of the Presidi”, with its wealth of well-organized and
varied cultural activities, is worth taking in.
Orbetello lagoon - Photo © 