7 Interesting Facts about Porto Ercole
Each alley of Porto Ercole holds centuries-old stories and fascinating historical facts. Amidst legends, monuments, and traditional festivals, this village is a place that blends history and myth.
Each alley of Porto Ercole holds centuries-old stories and fascinating historical facts. Amidst legends, monuments, and traditional festivals, this village is a place that blends history and myth.
If you are planning a visit to Argentario, here are seven features of this charming coastal village in Tuscany that will enrich your experience in Porto Ercole.
1. Porto Ercole and Caravaggio
The connection between Porto Ercole and the famed painter Caravaggio is one of the most famous in the village's history. In 1610, the painter embarked on a felucca from Naples, bound for the Tuscan coast, with the goal of delivering three precious canvases to Cardinal Scipione Borghese. Upon reaching the landing at Palo, Merisi was mysteriously imprisoned in Porto Ercole, where he died shortly thereafter due to his frail health. His death has left behind an aura of charm and mystery, continuing to draw the interest of scholars and the curious alike.
2. The Spanish Fortress
During the 16th century, the Spaniards built a massive defensive structure in Porto Ercole: the Spanish Fortress, also known as the Rocca. This imposing bastion, with its massive walls, protected the Tuscan coast from pirate attacks and Ottoman raids. Today, the fortress offers a spectacular view of the bay and the village below, transporting visitors back in time.
3. The Festival of Sant'Erasmo
On June 2nd, Porto Ercole celebrates Sant'Erasmo, its patron saint, with a picturesque sea procession. The saint's statue is carried through the village and then embarked, followed by a fleet of decorated boats. This event is a significant moment in the village's cultural life, combining religious tradition and community pride.
4. The Etruscans and the Constellation of Hercules
Many scholars believe the village was named "Hercules" by the Etruscans, given the recent discovery of an Etruscan necropolis upstream from Cala Galera. This site is located in the 13th sector of the Etruscan zodiac, which corresponds to the constellation of Hercules.
5. The Dutch Royal Family
In the 19th century, the Dutch royal family began spending summers in Porto Ercole, maintaining this tradition for several decades. The family owned a private residence with a staircase leading directly to the sea. Despite the risk of flooding and damage caused by salt, especially during winter, the family continued to spend holidays here until the last king's death.
6. The wildlife of Feniglia
A short distance from Porto Ercole is the Duna Feniglia Nature Reserve, a protected area characterized by sandy dunes and an ancient pine forest. This natural paradise, considered one of the most beautiful beaches of the Argentario, hosts a wide variety of wildlife, including fallow deer, foxes, and numerous bird species. The reserve offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the unspoiled nature of the Tuscan coast.
7. Night of the Pirates
Every summer, Porto Ercole transforms during the "Night of the Pirates," a colorful and lively event where the village relives the era of corsairs. Residents and visitors dress in period costumes, and the streets come alive with performances, games, and simulated battles, providing a festive immersion in the village's history.