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Talamone, the Sea and the Fortress
Talamone is a charming village in Maremma, located on the southern border of the Uccellina mountain range. Characterized by its ancient fortress of the Aldobrandeschi family, this small village oversees the beautiful Silver Coast and reflects onto the crystal blue water of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Legend has it that the name Talamone comes directly from the Greek hero Telamon, son of Aeacus and Endeïs, brother of Achilles' father, Peleus. It says that Telamon landed here on his way back from Calabria and he is buried right under the fortress.
The origins of Talamone are very ancient. Some findings of spears and stones date back its foundation to Neolithic times. The Etruscans first, and then the Romans live on this rocky hill. Many traces of this glorious past have been found including the beautiful pediment of an ancient temple depicting the history of "The Seven against Thebes" which is now displayed at the Archeological Museum of Orbetello. In 225 B.C. Talamone is theather of the important battle of Romans against the Gauls with the Romans as the victors. Talamone is then completely destroyed by Sulla.
Around 1300, almost abandoned, Talamone becomes a garrison house of Siena under the Aldobrandeschi family. It comes back to its ancient splendor thanks to the important works of drainage in Maremma done by Grand Duke Leopold II of the Lorraines in the 1700s.
In 1860, when Giuseppe Garibaldi lands here for restocking arms during the Expedition of the Thousand, Talamone becomes famous all around Italy.
Today Talamone preserves its traditional look of fortified fishing village. The small harbour is overlooked by the imposing Aldobrandeschi fortress of the 13th century. The fortress was abandoned and destroyed many times over the centuries. In the late 16th century, the Sienese rebuilt it as we see it today. It clearly stands out on top of the rocky hill over the village.
The center maintains its original aspect and is characterized by narrow streets and stone houses.
Talamone is certainly a small jewel of the Maremma area. In the last few years, it has becomes a renowned seaside destination in Tuscany. Its sandy beaches are bordered by pine woods and characterized by crystal water of an intense blue color. The bay of Talamone is also famous for sailing sports. It is the perfect location to practice windsurfing, kite-surfing and sailing. Close to the harbor is the Lagoon's Aquarium dedicated to the particular ecosystem of the lagoon of Orbetello nearby.
The hinterland is characterized by the typical macchia Mediterranea of this area. Talamone stands on the border of the beautiful Natural Park of the Maremma and is part of the Uccellina Park.
To truly enjoy this land, its beaches and the countryside near Talamone we recommend staying in a agriturismo in Maremma, or farmhouse. Farmhouses are the most common type of accommodations in Maremma. Spending your holidays in a farmhouse will let you experience the wild side of this region in Tuscany. Many farmhouses in Talamone offer comfortable apartments equipped with modern comforts, swimming pool and often horseback riding schools as riding is very common in the Maremma area.
Look at the photo gallery of Talamone »
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