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Accesa Lake ☀️ Massa Marittima
- Category Environment and Nature
Lago dell'Accesa, the small and mysterious lake of the Maremma, in Massa Marittima.
Number of views: 11810Agriturismo - Where to stay overnight
- Lake Accesa, the small and mysterious lake of the Maremma
- The settlement discovered near the lake
- The legends of Lake Accesa
Lake Accesa, the small and mysterious lake of the Maremma
Lake Accesa is a charming and very small lake, covering just 14 hectares with a depth of about 50 meters. Its crystal-clear waters emerge from underground springs, and the sandy bottom offers shallow areas ideal for bathing. Nestled in the Maremma countryside and surrounded by woods of oak and holm oak, it features shaded picnic areas and a relaxing natural setting. During the warmer seasons, a dip in the lake is a must, with a small stretch of fine sand beach welcoming visitors.
The settlement discovered near the lake
Located just 9 km from Massa Marittima, Lake Accesa is of great interest not only for its natural beauty but also for its archaeological significance. On its shores, remains of an ancient Etruscan settlement from the 7th–6th century BC were discovered. The site, which likely replaced even older structures from the 9th century BC, extended over several hectares and included five residential quarters and corresponding necropolises.
The settlement was likely located on the outskirts of ancient Vetulonia and was connected to it by the Bruna River. It thrived by exploiting nearby metal deposits but was abandoned in the 6th century BC, probably due to resource depletion, and never repopulated. Since 2001, the area of Lake Accesa has been part of an Etruscan-themed archaeological park. The site features five residential quarters that can be explored via marked trails with informational panels explaining the ancient layout. Visitors can see stone foundations of houses, water drainage systems, metal furnaces, and necropolises with tumulus or pit graves. Artifacts from the site are preserved in the archaeological museum of Massa Marittima.
The legends of Lake Accesa
Over the centuries, Lake Accesa has inspired many local legends, often tied to its mysterious depth, its ancient Etruscan tombs, and the origin of its name—“the lake that lights up.” One tale speaks of an ancient wheat field where the lake now lies. The landowner, ignoring the holiday of Saint Anne, the patron saint of harvesters, forced his workers to continue harvesting on July 26. As punishment, the ground opened and swallowed the laborers and oxen, and a lake appeared in their place. On summer nights, it is said that the singing voices of the lost workers can still be heard echoing across the waters.
