Orbetello facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Orbetello
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| Comune di Orbetello | ||
The windmill on the lagoon of Orbetello.
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| Country | Italy | |
| Region | Tuscany | |
| Province | Grosseto (GR) | |
| Frazioni | Albinia, Ansedonia, Fonteblanda, Giannella, Talamone | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 226.98 km2 (87.64 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 3 m (10 ft) | |
| Population
(2004-12-31)
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| • Total | 14,946 | |
| • Density | 65.847/km2 (170.543/sq mi) | |
| Demonym(s) | Orbetellani | |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | |
| Postal code |
58010, 58015
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| Dialing code | 0564 | |
| Patron saint | Saint Blaise | |
| Saint day | february 3 | |
| Website | www.comune.orbetello.gr.it | |
Orbetello is a town and commune (which is like a local government area) in the province of Grosseto in Tuscany, Italy. It is about 35 km (22 mi) south of Grosseto. The town sits on a lagoon, which is a shallow body of water separated from the sea by a narrow strip of land. This lagoon is a very important Natural Reserve, protecting many plants and animals.
A Look Back: Orbetello's History
Orbetello was first a village built by the Etruscans, an ancient people who lived in Italy. Around 280 BC, the Romans took control of the area. They had already built their own settlement nearby called Cosa.
During the Middle Ages, a powerful family called the Aldobrandeschi ruled Orbetello. They kept control until the 1300s, when the city of Orvieto bought it. After some time, the Sienese Republic captured Orbetello.
In the mid-1500s, Orbetello became the capital of the State of the Presidi. This was a small state controlled by Spain. Later, it was part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, which was a larger area ruled by a grand duke. Finally, in the late 1800s, it joined the new Kingdom of Italy.
From 1927 to 1933, famous "air cruises" led by Italo Balbo began from Orbetello's lagoon. These were long flights across oceans, showing how far airplanes could travel.
Cool Places to See
Orbetello has many interesting old buildings and places to visit:
- The city walls are very old, dating back to the 5th century BC.
- The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta was built on top of an even older Etruscan-Roman temple. It was partly rebuilt in 1375.
- The Spanish Forte delle Saline is a fort located in the area called Albinia.
- You can find the remains of the Roman city of Cosa in the area of Ansedonia.
- There are also the ruins of the Monastery of Sant'Angelo.
Images for kids
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The main gate of Orbetello.
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The blockade of Orbetello, 1646, an old picture by Matthäus Merian.
See also
In Spanish: Orbetello para niños
