Tagliata Etrusca: A marvel of ancient engineering

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Explore the Tagliata Etrusca, an ancient Roman canal near Ansedonia, and discover a unique blend of history, engineering, and coastal beauty.

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Tagliata Etrusca

The Tagliata Etrusca is an ancient canal carved into the rock near Ansedonia, Italy. While named 'Etruscan Cut,' it was likely built by the Romans to prevent the silting of the port of Cosa. Today, it's a fascinating historical site and a unique coastal feature.

A brief summary to Tagliata Etrusca

Via delle Rose, Ansedonia, Province of Grosseto, 58015, IT
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Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain around the Tagliata Etrusca can be rocky and uneven.
Bring a flashlight if you plan to explore the Spacco della Regina, as it involves navigating a dark, natural crevice.
Visit during low tide to better explore the coastal features and the Tagliata Etrusca itself.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby ruins of Cosa for a more complete historical experience.

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Getting There

Walking

From Ansedonia beach, the Tagliata Etrusca is easily accessible on foot. Head southeast along the beach, keeping the promontory on your left. You'll find the Tagliata Etrusca at the base of the promontory, near the Spacco della Regina. The walk is relatively short and offers scenic views of the coastline.
Public Transport

If arriving by bus from Orbetello, disembark at Ansedonia Seconda. From there, walk towards the beach and follow the coastline southeast towards the promontory. The Tagliata Etrusca is located at the base of the promontory. Bus tickets from Orbetello to Ansedonia cost approximately €1-€2.
Taxi

A taxi from Orbetello to Ansedonia will take approximately 11 minutes and cost between €17-€21. Ask the driver to drop you off near Ansedonia beach. From there, walk southeast along the beach to reach the Tagliata Etrusca.

Discover more about Tagliata Etrusca

The Tagliata Etrusca, located near Ansedonia in the province of Grosseto, is a remarkable feat of ancient hydraulic engineering. Despite its name, it is believed to have been constructed by the Romans during the Republican era, rather than by the Etruscans. This impressive canal was carved into the rocky promontory to prevent the silting up of the ancient Portus Cusanus, the port of the Roman city of Cosa. The Tagliata Etrusca served to maintain a constant water flow, preventing stagnation and silting by creating counter-currents from the sea and the emissary canal of nearby Lake Burano. The canal is equipped with gates that were opened seasonally to regulate water flow. Visitors can climb stairs carved into the rocks to admire the sea channeling through the underground grottos. Nearby, you'll find the Spacco della Regina, a natural fissure in the rock linked to legends of an Etruscan queen named Ansedonia. This crevice may have served a similar drainage function. The beach around the Tagliata Etrusca features dark sand and clear turquoise waters. The remains of the ancient city of Cosa are also nearby, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history.