South of the Orbetello lagoon, Ansedonia is a seaside resort with two sandy beaches, at the foot of a relief where the Roman settlement of Cosa was built. Of the latter there are beautiful remains, as well as on the south-eastern slope where were built near the ancient port of Roman works, the Etruscan Tagliata and the Spaco della Regina Cave. It also has three ancient watchtowers built between the 13th and 16th centuries.
Roman Cosa
On the promontory at 114 meters above sea level are the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Cosa of Etruscan origin with its remains of cyclopean walls, forum or acropolis, as well as the archaeological museum with the site’s finds.
Cosa was founded in 273 BC by the Romans after the defeat of the Etruscans allied with Vulci and Volsinii.
There are beautiful remains on the wall that measured 1.5 km with 17 towers, remains of houses with paintings and mosaics, Baths, forum, houses of merchants, a basilica, the Curia-Comitium with circular staircase, temples (one dedicated to the goddess Concordia), markets. The Via Sacra (sacred route) leads to the acropolis (Arx) from where you can enjoy the best view, and heart of ancient cults, where there are remains of the Capitolium (170 and 150 BC).
Etruscan Tagliata and Spacco della Regina
Etruscan Tagliata
Overlooking the south-east side of the Ansedonia relief, you will find the nearby Tagliata Etrusca (Etruscan Cup in English) and the Spacco della Regina (the Queen’s Cleft), two hydraulic engineering works dating back to the Roman Empire (contrary to what its name suggests), close to the old small port of call where we see semi-submerged remains of quays and dykes.
The Tagliata Etrusca is a structure with a canal that was used to control the flow of water in and out of the port to avoid its burial.
The Spacco della Regina is a natural fissure that used to have the role of the Tagliata, until a landslide after which it served for religious celebrations. The visit of its interior is suggestive.
Beaches of Ansedonia
The beaches of Ansedonia are located on both sides of the promontory, with free sections and bathing establishments. They are sandy with a gently sloping bottom. Towards the Argentario, it is at the end of the isthmus of the Feniglia near the pine forest and the reserve.
The south-east side of the beach near the Tagliata extends for many kilometres to Lazio.
Activities in the region
Where is Ansedonia, map
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Links and sources
- General informations: Ansedonia on en.wikipedia.org, et Cosa on en.wikipedia.org
- Tourist portals and blogs : www.tuttomaremma.com, orbetelloturismo.it
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