Ercole Port

Caravaggio

Michelangelo Merisi, better known as Caravaggio, is a prominent figure in the history of art, and his mysterious death is one of the great mysteries in the art world. Caravaggio died in Ercole Port in 1610 after a tumultuous life and a frantic four-year escape from justice.

In July 1610, Caravaggio set sail from Naples to Ercole Port with the intention of gifting three precious paintings to Cardinal Scipione Borghese as a gesture of gratitude for his support. However, he was arrested and imprisoned for two days in Palo, during which time the felucca carrying his paintings continued without him. Upon arriving in Ercole Port, Caravaggio failed to find the felucca and succumbed to illness on July 18, 1610.

The Fate of the Three Paintings Caravaggio Had with Him Is Another Unsolved Mystery.

One of the paintings reached Scipione Borghese, one went to the Count of Lemos, and one to Marchesa Costanza Colonna. Some argue that Caravaggio’s arrest in Palo was prearranged, and the felucca never made it to Ercole Port, but returned to Naples, awaited by Marchesa Costanza Colonna.

In 2001, Caravaggio’s death record was found in the parish records of Sant’Erasmo in Ercole Port, which mentioned his death at the S. Maria Ausiliatrice hospital due to illness. This discovery initiated the search for Caravaggio’s burial place, believed to be in the San Sebastiano cemetery in Ercole Port. In 1956, the skeletons from the old cemetery were transferred to a crypt in the current cemetery, where research efforts have focused. In 2010, a group of scientists claimed that the bones found, with an 85% certainty, belonged to Michelangelo Merisi, Caravaggio. These bones were placed in a mausoleum in the Ercole Port cemetery in 2019.

Events in Ercole Port

Ercole Port is a place that knows how to entertain and delight its visitors. Throughout the year, the town hosts a series of events, ranging from religious celebrations to local festivals. Among the most well-known is “La Notte dei Pirati” (The Night of the Pirates), an event held at the end of April and the beginning of May, during which Ercole Port transforms into a pirate’s den. For three nights, pirate crews disembark and engage in a treasure hunt, with the local areas and every corner of the port adorned with pirate-themed decorations. Another significant event is the celebration of Patron Saint Sant’Erasmo on June 2nd, featuring performances, concerts, a sea procession, rowing regattas, and a fireworks display at the end of the festival. In August, there is the “Sagra della Ficamaschia” (Mullet Festival), a celebration dedicated to this local fish, also known as Melù or Potassolo. Lastly, on December 25, 26, and January 6, the traditional Nativity Scene takes place in the squares and alleys of the ancient town, with around two hundred participants in costume.

Beaches in Ercole Port

Ercole Port is famous for its beautiful beaches, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and quality amenities. Among the well-known beaches is “L’Acqua Dolce” (The Freshwater), a mostly sandy and pebbly free beach, exposed to southern winds. To reach it, follow the signs to the Pellicano Hotel and continue left on the pedestrian path. Another highly appreciated beach is “Spiaggia Lunga” (Long Beach), also a free, mostly sandy beach with low cliffs. To get there, follow the panoramic road from Ercole Port, and the path is well marked. “Le Viste” is the beach closest to the town of Ercole Port, made up of pebbles and sand and exposed to southern winds. Finally, “Spiaggia di Cala Galera” is a sandy beach located between the Cala Galera marina and Poggio Pertuso, easily accessible and with a shallow sandy bottom, ideal for younger children. Last but not least, “Feniglia” is a 7 km long strip of sand that connects the Argentario to the mainland, with a beautiful pine forest running alongside it: the Feniglia Dune Natural Reserve.

Tourist Harbor

The Marina Cala Galera Port is a modern tourist harbor located in Ercole Port, offering comprehensive nautical support. The harbor can accommodate 670 pleasure boats ranging in length from 6 to 50 meters. Within the harbor, each quay is equipped with a column for 220/380V electricity and one for water, providing all necessary services for the vessels.

On the breakwater, there are warehouses for material storage, and on the submerged breakwater, there is a commercial area that extends for 300 meters and includes 50 different commercial activities, such as ATMs, shops, bars, ice cream parlors, restaurants, pizzerias, technical support shops, agencies, and a supermarket. Additionally, within the commercial area, naval engineers, architects, carpenters, and sailing experts are available for any nautical issues.

The harbor has shipyards for boat maintenance and repairs. The shipyard has two travel lifts up to 80 tonnes and a slipway up to 300 tonnes, as well as ample space in the innermost part. At the entrance, below the Control Tower, there is a fueling quay for super gasoline and diesel. The harbor is covered by a fire protection system and extinguishers. The Control Tower at the harbor entrance oversees traffic control and allocation of berths for boaters. Communication between the Control Tower and vessels is ensured day and night on VHF channel 9.

How to Get to Ercole Port

To reach Ercole Port, drive through the town of Orbetello and take the causeway (one of the three land strips connecting the promontory to the mainland) that separates the eastern and western lagoons. After crossing the causeway, follow the signs on the left for Ercole Port.

Ercole Port is a place of rare beauty, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and nature. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a place to relax, Ercole Port has something to offer to everyone.