located in Silver Coast, at the southern end of Monte Argentario (Tuscany), not far fromGiglio Island, Porto Ercole is a historic village in the Grosseto Maremma overlooking the Tyrrhenian sea. According to some, the name of the city derives from a colony of Phocians, a Greek people devoted to the hero Hercules, settled in those areas. According to others, however, it would have been the Etruscan to give the name to the seaside town. This second theory is supported by the discovery of an ancient necropolis in the locality shut up guys. In addition to being a beloved tourist resort, this village is also remembered for Caravaggio, . The famous painter passed his family to Porto Ercole last days of life. Having left Naples by sea and landed in Palo Laziale, Caravaggio reached Porto Ercole already dying (perhaps due to an infection). From the beach of the feniglia, was taken to the sanatorium Saint Mary Help of Christians, near the church of Sant'Erasmo, where he died on July 18 1610.
History of the village
The origins of Porto Ercole date back to the XNUMXth century. BC, in the Etruscan era. Subsequently "Portus Herculis”Came under Roman rule. In the second century. BC it was owned by the gods family Domitius Ahenobarbi. From them, argentarii by profession, the entire territory of Monte Argentario. Later the area ruled by the emperor Domitian and, in the second century. AD it was donated by the emperor Trajan a Vibia Matidia. With the fall ofWestern Roman Empire, the area passed into the hands of the Byzantines and Lombards.
It is in medieval times that Porto Ercole finds its maximum splendor. In the fifteenth century it falls under the dominion of Republic of Siena. In this period the city walls, built the first watchtowers and the first military fortifications, such as Fort Sant'Ermo (demolished in the sixteenth century to create Fort Philip) and the Water Tower. In 1555 with the "Intake of Porto Ercole", The Spanish (allies of Florence) conquered Porto Ercole by defeating the Sienese (allies of the French). Two years later, with the treaty of di Cateau Cambresis, Porto Ercole passes under the dominion of the "State of the Presidii". The village will be part of the Tuscan protectorate until Congress of Vienna of the 1815, when it is integrated into the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. In 1861, like all of Tuscany, Porto Ercole will officially join the nascent Kingdom of Italy.
What to see in Porto Ercole
Being a seaside resort, among the main attractions of Porto Ercole are its beaches. Long Beach, Fresh Water Beach, the aforementioned shut up guys , Beach of the Views they are the most popular with tourists and not only. However, the village offers much more. Of particular beauty is his medieval old town, which also houses the church of Sant'Erasmo (one of the oldest religious buildings in the village). On the square of the village there is also the Palace of the Rulers, built in the first half of the sixteenth century, as a residence for the Spanish rulers. They are also from the Middle Ages Walls of Porto Ercole, with Siena gate (the clock tower dates back to the sixteenth century) which guaranteed the main entrance to the city. Going along the main street, you can then arrive at the Corsini Garden, made in 1868 by Vincent Ricasoli, which today hosts more than 150 tropical plants.
Also interesting to visit are the military fortresses that are located near Porte Ercole, such as the Forte Stella and Fort Philip. The first has a particular shape (a six-pointed star) and was built in the second half of the sixteenth century as defensive fortification by the Spanish rulers of the State of the Presidii. This allowed the military to control the entire area at 360 degrees. The second, built in the same period, was built on the rubble of the previous Fort Sant'Ermo, built in the fifteenth century by the Sienese government. Not far from Forte Filippo is the Mulinaccio Tower, also built by the Spaniards for defensive purposes (to control the area of Cala Galera). On the other hand, it dates back to the Sienese period Water Tower, not far from Forte Stella. This was conquered in 1555, marking the surrender of the Sienese and the beginning of State of the Presidii in Porto Ercole.
What to eat in Porto Ercole
Traveling also means trying the typical dishes of the place you intend to visit. Porto Ercole, in this case, offers typical dishes of Tuscan and local cuisine. One of the oldest is the Caldaro dell'Argentario, a fish soup prepared with poor fish. Also worth trying is the "cunt in stock"(Ie the blue whiting, a fish similar to hake, to be eaten in soup with potatoes), dishes based on bonito, a typical fish of the sea of Tuscany, perhaps accompanied by a glass of Rimini of Porto Ercole, a typical wine of the area. Finally, if you prefer a dessert, you can try the Portoercolese pastiera, similar to the Neapolitan one, but without cooked wheat.
History, sea, culture and good food ... Porto Ercole offers this and much more to the visitor who wishes to spend a few days in this small Tuscan gem. Part of the circuit of most beautiful villages in Italy, Porto Ercole is a wonderful surprise, which will allow you to spend your holidays in total relaxation and fully enjoy the wonders offered by the Tuscan coast.
Featured photo: © Ernmuhl - Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0).
