Orbetello

Orbetello is a fascinatingly ancient village which looks out onto the Orbetello Lagoon and is immersed in beautiful scenery and the sites of Monte Argentario.

Surrounded by an enchanting countryside and the hills of the Maremma Tuscany, the town is a small but extraordinary jewel of ancient art. The village of Orbetello is located in the province of Grosseto and is seen as one of the most fascinating and beautiful locations in the whole Maremma, thanks to the extraordinary presence of the lagoon’s ecosystem, which gives the town a very unique spirit.

The town, which boasts ancient origins, most likely Etruscan, is the custodian of splendid and rare constructions and architecture, which certainly capture and amaze anyone who decides to visit this enchanting southern Tuscan town. Visitors cannot help but appreciate the history and profoundly ancient works of art in every light.

Walking down the streets of the historic centre you can find yourself in front of monuments, churches and palazzi of great interest and uniqueness. Orbetello truly is home to an ancient past and precious works of art.

Not to miss:

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta: the most significant sacred building in the Tuscan town whose construction dates back to the second half of the 14th century, built on the ruins of an already pre-existent Etruscan temple. Today the church is a wonderful example of gothic art with precious works of art, statues and alfresco pieces of great beauty.

The Church of St. Francesco da Paola: a splendid structure of the 16th century, whose unique architecture is reminiscent of Spanish art.

The Church of the Madonna delle Grazie: built in the historic part of the city, it dates back to the 13th century and is custodian of frescoes dating back to the 1400’s.

Church of St. Giuseppe: a typical Renaissance building.

Palazzo dei Governanti (Palazzo of the Governors): constructed under the dominion of the Stato Spagnolo dei Presidi (The Spanish State of Presidi).

The clock tower: a splendid 15th century building which is situated in Piazza Eroe dei Due Mondi (Piazza of the Heroes of Two Worlds)

Polveriera Guzmán (Guzmán Powderhouse): a military building built in 1962 to house explosive materials. Outside it is preceded by two interesting obelisks.

Porta Medinacoeli del 1697 (Door of Medinacoeli of 1697): which was used as an entrance into the fortified city and is still today, a symbol of the historic centre.

Porta a Terra (Door of Earth): joined to the Ciclopiche Wall, it was built in the Baroque style and is probably the most famous and important monument in the town. In fact the wall itself dates back to the Etruscan age, built during the 5th century B.C. Today they are both still in great condition and stand as a testament to the presence of Etruscans in Orbetello.

Molino Spagnolo (Spanish Windmill): erected on the waters of the splendid and beautiful lagoon, the structure is the last of what used to be nine mills built in the 1500 and has a “Spanish” appellation. It begun to turn in only subsequent eras, after the Spanish worked on its reconstruction.

The Museum of the Pediment of Talamone: inside the museum you can admire a wonderful Etruscan pediment, which was found in the countryside of Talamone and depicts the mythical scene “Sette a Tebe” (Seven against Tebe by Aeschylus).

The Archaeological Museum: located in the Guzmán Powderhouse, it is an exhibition on military ruins, utensils and instruments, and Etruscan and Roman remains found in the countryside and archaeological sites of the Tuscan city.

History:

The first certain sign of life in the city of Orbetello dates back to the Etruscan age, when there existed a primitive settlement. Then from 280 the centre became a dominion of the Roman Empire and saw the construction of the nearby location of Ansedonia and the city of Cosa.

With the arrival of the Middle Ages the city found itself under the control of the Aldobrandeschi, than the city of Orvieto, then the Orsini Counts and then the Republic of Siena; who managed to maintain power for another century.

It then became a part of the Stato dei Presidi Spagnolo (State of Spanish Presidi) who governed the Argentario Area from the second half of the 1500’s. Afterwards it was controlled by the Grand Duchy of Tuscany until the end of the 19th century when it became part of the Kingdom of Italy.