Orbetello Attractions
Orbetello lies on the coast of southern Tuscany in the middle of a lagoon (area 26 sq.km/10 sq.mi) between Monte Argentario and the mainland.
History
The tongue of land on which the town is built was probably settled as early as the eighth century B.C. In the course of time the town grew in importance, and during the Middle Ages it changed hands many times. In the mid 16th century it became the chief place in the "Stato dei Presidi" established by the Spaniards. The tongue of land was extended to Monte Argentario by an artificial causeway constructed in 1842, thus cutting the lagoon in two.
History
The tongue of land on which the town is built was probably settled as early as the eighth century B.C. In the course of time the town grew in importance, and during the Middle Ages it changed hands many times. In the mid 16th century it became the chief place in the "Stato dei Presidi" established by the Spaniards. The tongue of land was extended to Monte Argentario by an artificial causeway constructed in 1842, thus cutting the lagoon in two.
The Town
There are still considerable remains of Etruscan sea-walls and - particularly in the Piazza Quattro Novembre - of the Spanish fortifications begun in the reign of Philip II (1557) and completed under his son and successor Philip III (1620). The cathedral was built in 1376 on the site of an earlier church and enlarged in the 17th century by the addition of two aisles. On the travertine facade, still in Gothic style, are a finely carved doorway and, above this, a rose-window and a bust of St Benedict. In the Palazzo della Pretura is the Antiquarium Cívico, a museum containing archeological material from Orbetello and the surrounding area, including Etruscan and Roman bronzes and pottery.
