Orbetello

Orbetello
—  Comune  —
Comune di Orbetello
The windmill on the lagoon of Orbetello.
Coat of arms
Orbetello Location of Orbetello in Italy
Coordinates: 42°26′34″N 11°13′29″E / 42.44278°N 11.22472°E / 42.44278; 11.22472
Country	Italy
Region	Tuscany
Province	Grosseto (GR)
Frazioni	Albinia, Ansedonia, Fonteblanda, Giannella, Talamone
Government
– Mayor	Monica Paffetti
Area
– Total	226.98 km2 (87.6 sq mi)
Elevation	3 m (10 ft)
Population (28 November 2010)
– Total	15,248
– Density	67.2/km2 (174/sq mi)
Demonym	Orbetellani
Time zone	CET (UTC+1)
– Summer (DST)	CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code	58010, 58015
Dialing code	0564
Patron saint	Saint Blaise
Saint day	February 3
Website	Official website

Orbetello is a town and comune in the province of Grosseto (Tuscany), Italy. It is located c. 35 km south of Grosseto, on the eponymous lagoon, which is home to an important Natural Reserve.

The main gate of Orbetello.

History

Orbetello was an ancient Etruscan settlement, which in 280 BC passed under the control of the Romans, who had founded their colony of Cosa (near the modern Ansedonia).

In the Middle Ages it was a possession of the Aldobrandeschi family, who held it until the 14th century, when it was acquired by the city of Orvieto. After several struggles with the Orsini of Pitigliano and Orvieto, in the following centuries Orbetello was captured by the Sienese Republic. In the mid-16th century it was part of the Spanish puppet State of Presides, becoming its capital. Later it was under the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and, from the late 19th century, the newly unified Kingdom of Italy.

In 1927-1933, Italo Balbo's "air cruises" started from Orbetello's lagoon.

Main sights

• The city walls (5th century BC).
• Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, built over an Etruscan-Roman temple and restructured in 1375 along Tuscan-Gothic lines. Preceded by a step, it houses some notable 15th century frescoes.
• The Spanish Forte delle Saline, in the frazione of Albinia.
• Remains of the Roman city of Cosa in the frazione of Ansedonia.
• Ruins of the Monastery of Sant'Angelo.

External links

• Tourism in Orbetello