Ansedonia, frazione of Italy
Ansedonia is a small coastal settlement south of the Argentario near Orbetello, known for long sandy beaches, an ancient pine forest, and the ruins of the ancient city of Cosa. The place combines bathing shores with archaeological sites and medieval watchtowers scattered along the coast.
Cosa was founded by the Romans in the third century before Christ and was an important port city until it was gradually abandoned. During the Middle Ages, watchtowers were built between the 13th and 16th centuries to protect the coast from piracy.
Ansedonia takes its name from an ancient Roman settlement and today blends that heritage with the routines of local fishermen. The whitewashed buildings with terracotta roofs reflect a way of life shaped by centuries of connection to the sea.
The beaches slope gently into the water and are safe for swimming for families with small children. Access to the archaeological sites and towers is straightforward, with some towers available to visit by request in advance.
The ancient Tagliata is a canal carved into the rock by the Etruscans to keep the old port clear of sand and help ships navigate. Composer Giacomo Puccini spent summers nearby and wrote portions of his opera Turandot there.
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