Monte Argentario

Enchantment in the cliff of Argentario

The city of Porto Santo Stefano is situated on a picturesque Bay on the North coast of the Argentario, where the steep and rocky cliff overlooking the crystal clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Because of its geographical location the country was always attended by the ancient peoples who sailed in the Mediterranean. Many finds of ancient Roman rule as the "baths of Domitian", remains of a Roman villa dating back to the first century. The major development of the center took place around 1550 during the Spanish governorate and later in the middle of the 18th century when the town was under the control of the Bourbons..

Even the fraction of Porto Ercole situated on the East Coast has ancient origins, Etruscan and Roman before then. In 1452 was ceded to Siena and in 1577 the Spanish that incorporated to States of the deans. His small town since 2004 among the "most beautiful villages in Italy", is rich in fortresses and narrow alleys leading to the fortress, from which you can enjoy a splendid view.

 

Traditions

Tradition is the Palio Marinaro dell'Argentario held annually on 15 August in Porto Santo Stefano. The origins of the race date back to the times of pirates, when the beautiful coasts of Argentario were prey to their looting. In race four rowing boats representing the 4 districts of the country, christened with the names of twenty Libeccio, Maestrale, Scirocco, Grecale.

Even at Porto Ercole since 1978 will dispute the Palio dei Quattro Forti, rowing tournament between the four districts that has divided the country.

 

Typical products

Porto Santo Stefano's typical dish is the Caldaro, poor fish soup served on toasted bread with garlic and accompanied by a good glass of wine of Argentario. Undisputed queen of portercolese gastronomy is the "ficamaschia a stocchetto". Fish like hake, said "stocchetto" for its resemblance to the fish prepared with tomatoes and potatoes.