It rises in Tuscany in the Maremma a place capable of exercising a strong tourist attraction every year. Surmounted by the mount of the Argentario which from above seems to somehow protect it and watch over everything. On the sides they serve as a contour the tombolo of the Gianella and that of the Feniglia, two strips of land that enclose the lagoon. We are talking about Orbetello. A place known by many for summer holidays, it is actually a reserve of various offers.
Orbetello and the beauties of nature
One of the main reasons that bring many people to Orbetello is certainly the sea. Among the beaches, the two that enclose the lagoon stand out. That of feniglia and that of the Giannella. Thanks to a bottom that slides slowly in depth, they are particularly suitable for families with children. But the lagoon is not just a bathing establishment. Here indeed there is a small protected "kingdom", that of the oasis of WWF. The particular marine position of Orbetello makes the place crossing point of the migratory routes of birds. In particular of the flamingos. Thus, at certain times of the year, the sky and the sea are colored for a little pink, when the birds with graceful shapes stop in the lagoon during their journey.
But nature, in its most total beauty, it deserves to be observed from different perspectives. This is why, in addition to the canonical view from the beach, it is recommended to move a little "higher" and reach the summit of the Argentario. At 273 meters right on top of the mountain is the space convent of the Passionists. From here the view becomes something unique: on the right the Tombolo della Feniglia, on the left the Tombolo della Giannella and in the center the city of Orbetello surrounded by the lagoon. An overview from above that helps to understand the conformation of the territory but above all that gives the curious spectator a new "point of view".
Curious historical sites
Orbetello, like all cities, has a history and its is quite ancient! Testimony are the remains of the Etruscan walls. Large polygonal blocks that have spanned millennia and which despite everything are still there, stopping to observe the world and its changes! Really impressive to think that these ramparts were built in the XNUMXth century BC! Leaving the walls, you come across the various squares that characterize the town. Obviously, churches cannot be missing, testimony of particular historical moments, such as the Spanish one or of important artistic productions such as the fresco of the Sienese School at the Church of Santa Maria ad Portam. Following, the Cathedral located in Piazza della Repubblica.
But in addition to the classical buildings in Orbetello there are more singular constructions. Among these, for example, there is the Guzmann powder magazine. Built by the Spaniards in 1692, it was a storage place for large tons of explosives. Its usefulness found importance in a specific historical moment. In 1860 Giuseppe Garibaldi supplied the army of the Thousand right at the same. It is said that having met the national hero, eleven Orbetani would have decided to join his company!
The Spanish mill of Orbetello
Another curious site is instead located in the sea. Known as Spanish mill represents to date the only remaining of the nine that once existed. They had been cobstructed during the 1400s inside the lagoon with the aim of exploiting the power of water for grinding grain. The product to be processed was transported to the mills through the so-called "barchini", typical boats that once plowed the lagoon. The mill visible today, it was renovated by the Spaniards during the 1600s to allow its use. It therefore seems that Orbetello with its lagoon can offer very different moments from each other! Relaxation and fun on the beach, curious cultural trips but also moments of reflection pampered by the enchantment of nature.
