Argentario

The Argentario is one the most prestigious and beautiful locations in the Maremma, located in the south of Tuscany, it reflects a stunning natural paradise characterized by the presence of forests and Mediterranean vegetation, of uneven coasts, of crystal clear water and two small towns of extraordinary beauty and charm.

Exploring here is definitely a unique and spectacular occasion, and absolutely deserves to be experienced in every light. The promontory of Monte Argentario rises in the province of Grosseto, extremely close to the little city of Orbetello, famous for its lagoon, in an environment that is unquestionably particular and unique.

The landscape and scenery of this fabulous promontory attached to the sea are undeniably fascinating and astounding, in terms of representing the best of the spirit of the Maremma. Between the wild and untouched environment, lie a splendid harmony of hills, plains and the stunning Tirreno Sea.

The Argentario definitely presents itself as one of the most celebrated and appreciated tourist destinations and is amongst the few that can boast important recognition for the beauty of its environment and for the quality of the service it offer.

Not to miss:

At Porto Ercole, a splendid seaside town, rich in history and ancient monuments, a great asset to the entire territory of the Maremma, is the Church of St. Erasmus, its construction dates back to the Middle Ages and, according to popular legend, it hosted Carvaggio, who spent the last days of his life there.

Torre dell’Orologio (Clock Tower): in Porto Ercole, it graces the entrance of the city.

The impressive fortifications of Forte Stella and Forte Santa Caterina, in Porto Ercole.

The striking Fortezza Spagnola (Spanish Fortress), in Porto Santo Stefano

Convento dei Frati Passionisti (The Convent of the Passionate Brothers): immersed amongst the most hidden paths of Monte Argentario, surrounded by the forests and Mediterranean vegetation which characterize the promontory, you can find the Convento della Presentazione al Tempio (Convent of the Presentation at the Temple), it was built during the 18th century and is the residence of the order of the Frati Passionisti (Passionate Brothers) founded by St. Paul of the cross.

The Novitiate of St. Giuseppe: whose construction dates back to the 1700, the complex contains a church and a monastery,Inside you can admire a splendid alfresco depicting “La Madonna Addolorata” (The Pained Madonna).

The Panoramic Strip: a track which circles the Argentario and offers the opportunity to admire the splendid views and panoramas of the sea and the Maremma.

The permanent displays of “Maestri d’Ascia” (Teachers of the Axe): which houses interesting exhibitions and collections of photos, instruments and objects which tell the story of nautical art in the Argentario.

It also is home to “Memorie Sommerse” (Submersed Memories), which is an exhibition on the treasures discovered at the ocean bottom of the Monte Argentario.

The Mediterranean Aquarium of the Argento Coast: inside the aquarium you can admire the principal ichthyic species which populate the waters of the Mediterranean The aquarium is also home to an important centre which studies marine cetacean.

History:

The first inhabitants on the promontory of Monte Argentario were the Etruscans, as indicated by the numerous ruins found in the territory. The power was then exercised by the Emperor of Rome, and by the powerful family of Domitii Aenobarbi.

The family was also called Argentari, because of their wealth and may have given the area the name Monte.

The territory was then ruled by many Roman emperors, until the fall of the Empire, then becoming an important possession of the Aldobrandeschi and Orsini families, Over the course of centuries, the power was exercised by the city of Naples and Siena, then from the beginning of the second half of the 16th century until the first years of the 19th century, it was an important stronghold of the State of Presidi, who built many fortifications in the area. It was finally annexed by the Grand Dukedom of Tuscany and became part of the Kingdom of Italy.