Orbetello in Tuscany is part of the Argentario panorama, a promontory to which it is joined by a dam on which the road runs. All around is sea, water, lagoon. Indeed, two lagoons: one to the east and one to the west, divided by the connecting embankment. Among beaches, nature reserves, hills just mentioned and hints of the Middle Ages Orbetello has become a particular tourist destination. It can satisfy everyone’s tastes, offering sea, excursions, art and culture at the same time. Come and discover it could be an idea for your next vacation.

Orbetello, city of churches

With so much splendid nature that surrounds it, Orbetello is characterized however by the presence of numerous sacred buildings. They are linked above all to the Catholic religion: churches, sanctuaries, convents, chapels are everywhere as testimony to a past of faith.

The city has its origin in 1074 when the fief of Mediaterra Castrum Orbitelli becomes the personal possession of Pope Gregory VII.

According to other historical versions, however, it would actually have been conquered by the armies of Farnese a century later.

However, it developed in the Middle Ages, also thanks to its strategic position on the coast, which remained so until the Second World War.

Furthermore, Italo Balbo left from Orbetello for his “seaplane air cruises” in 1927 and 1933.

Among the many churches of which the city of Orbetello boasts, the first is certainly the co-cathedral Santa Maria Assunta (13th century) built on the remains of a Roman temple.

Also important in the territory are San Giuseppe Benedetto Cottolengo, Santa Maria Assunta di Talamone, San Paolo della Croce. Among the most beautiful: San Francesco di Paola, San Giuseppe, the Madonna delle Vigne and the country church of Madonna delle Grazie di Talamone (17th century).

Other monuments to see in Orbetello

Other interesting places to visit in Orbetello are:

• the ruins of the Sant’Angelo Monastery (10th century)

• the Governor’s Palace

• the seventeenth-century Guzman powder magazine

• the Medieval Walls of Orbetello and Talamone

The large Rocca Aldobrandesca which has dominated the lagoon since the 14th century is imposing and beautiful. Do not miss the Roman archaeological excavations of Cosa and the Etruscan ones of Poggio Talamonaccio.

The Orbetello lagoon

Extending over approximately 27 sq km, the Orbetello lagoon is an oasis protected by the WWF of international interest. It preserves unique forms of flora and fauna that complement the two nearby natural areas.

Duna Feniglia Nature Reserve is one of the two “tomboli” (sand dams) which together with the main road connect the mainland to Monte Argentario.

Very particular because the fallow deer live there, and also for the presence of beaches for “naturists” that overlook the lagoon.

The other tombolo is the Giannella Nature Reserve, of great biological interest because it preserves the indigenous animal and plant species that inhabited these lands that have emerged since the most ancient centuries.

How to get to Orbetello

The closest airport to Orbetello is Rome’s Fiumicino (137 km), but it can also be easily reached from Florence Airport. As for the train Orbetello has its central station on the Rome-Grosseto-Pisa line.

Alternatively, you can arrive by car via the Statale 1: from the north keep Grosseto Sud as a reference point and continue from there for 40 km towards Orbetello; from the south, continue following the signs for Monte Argentario and Orbetello da Civitavecchia, for 70 km.

Discovering Orbetello

If you want to experience the charm of Orbetello, as well as visit the Tuscan Maremma and its surrounding countryside, we are waiting for you at Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort, for an itinerary in the most beautiful Tuscany.