Orbetello

Orbetello
Comune
Comune di Orbetello
The windmill on the lagoon of Orbetello.

Coat of arms
Orbetello
Location of Orbetello in Italy
Orbetello
Orbetello (Tuscany)
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, Quattro Strade, San Donato, Talamone
Government
 • Mayor Andrea Casamenti
Area
 • Total 226.8 km2 (87.6 sq mi)
Elevation 3 m (10 ft)
Population (31 December 2017)
 • Total 14,744
 • Density 65/km2 (170/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Orbetellani
Time zone UTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST) UTC+2 (CEST)
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 about 35 kilometres (22 mi) south of Grosseto, on the eponymous lagoon, which is home to an important Natural Reserve.

History

The main gate of Orbetello.

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 State of Presides, a Spanish possession, 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 1927–33, Italo Balbo's "air cruises" started from Orbetello's lagoon. During World War II, the German Air Force's 2nd Squadron of Embarked Air Group 196 used the lagoon as a base for its Arado Ar 196 float planes for a brief period in 1943.[1]

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.

References

  1. ↑ Kleckers, Axel; Grams, Christian. "Bordfliegergruppe 196". Retrieved 18 May 2016.




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