Talamone, Orbetello, Argentario

TALAMONE

At the foot of the Uccellina mountains, it marks the southernmost border of the Maremma Park. The port, already classified as natural shelter, has 600 boat moorings and efficient facilities. The characteristic, imposing Fortress, built during the Aldobrandeschi rule, still dominates the town centre and a large part of the surrounding area. Talamone features a monument dedicated to Garibaldi to recall the Expedition of the Thousand.

ORBETELLO

The city rises over a small peninsula surrounded by a Lagoon by the same name; an artificial dam links the Promontory to Monte Agentario. The Lagoon is closed between two strips of land called the Feniglia and Giannella “tomboli,” or sand bridges. Thanks to its special position it has always been considered a land to be conquered. Many ruins of past dominations bare witness to these efforts and can be admired in the historical centre.

ARGENTARIO

The profile of a majestic mountain stands out on the horizon. At a first glance it could seem like an island as it projects into the sea. But really this is Monte Argentario which is connected to the terra firma by two land isthmus called Giannella and Feniglia which enclose the Orbetello lagoon. Its ports are on opposite sides overlooking the silver reflections of the sea: Porto Santo Stefano, an important dock for ferries which connect the Giglio and Giannutri islands to the land, is to the North; Porto Ercole, characterized by ancient Spanish fortresses built to safeguard the Stato dei Presidi, is to the South.

Museums

Spanish Fortress (Porto S. Stefano); Frontone of Talamone (Orbetello); Aquarium of Orbetello Lagoon (Orbetello); Rustic Culture Museum (Orbetello); Archaeological Museum (Orbetello); “Rovine di Cosa” Archaeological Museum (Ansedonia); Etruscan Museum (Magliano In Toscana).

Archaeological parks

Archaeological Area of Cosa (Ansedonia); Etruscan necropolis (Magliano in Toscana).

Artistic Garden

The Tarots Garden (Garavicchio-Capalbio)

Nature Parks

National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago; Statale Lago di Burano Nature Reserve; Statale Dune di Feniglia Nature Reserve; Laguna di Orbetello Provincial Nature Reserve.

Traditions and Festivals

Palio Marinaro dell’Argentario (15 August); Celebration of Sant’Erasmo at Porto Ercole (2 June).

Beaches

Talamone between the river Osa and Albinia; Tombolo di Giannella; Tombolo di Feniglia; Ansedonia; Chiarone di Capalbio.

Fractions

Talamone, Fonteblanda, Albinia, Porto Santo Stefano, Porto Ercole, Ansedonia.

Not to be missed

The Bagno delle Donne (Talamone); Padri Passionisti and Punta Telegrafo Sanctuaries (Mt. Argentario); Forte Stella, Forte Filippo, Rocca Spagnola (Porto Ercole); Spanish Fortress (Porto S. Stefano); Ruins of the Abbey of San Bruzio (Magliano in Tuscany); the Tagliata Etrusca (Ansedonia).