Lago dell’Accesa is an enchanting, small lake in Maremma Tuscany, about nine km from Massa Marittima and about a one-hour drive from Monte Argentario. It has crystalline waters from underground springs and is surrounded by a dense grove of oaks and holm oaks. The clear waters have depths that vary between 20 and 40 meters.

The lake has a total area of 14 hectares and is characterized by typical lake flora, with shrubs and reeds that grow near the banks. Among the fauna are fish like the largemouth bass, perch and Mosquitofish, and various frogs and even tortoises. The greenery around the lake is home to animal species typical of Maremma, such as wild boar, porcupine, badger, hare, fox and roe deer.

Around the lakeshores are numerous wood decks for sunbathing and picnic areas. It is a popular bathing and sunbathing spot during summer, especially for those who want an alternative to the beaches of the Silver Coast.

Lake Accesa is a fascinating area from a naturalistic and archaeological point of view. An Etruscan settlement dating back to the 7th – 6th century BC was found on its banks and has now become an archaeological park that you can visit.

The Etruscan site of Lake Accesa is divided into five districts that you can visit through paths. You will see the ancient centre, the masonry houses, the water drainage systems and the necropolis. You can admire all the objects unearthed from the excavations at the archaeological museum of Massa Marittima.

Legends and myths about Lake Accesa

Over the centuries, Lago dell’Accesa has sparked popular imagination and given rise to legends, mainly originating from its name (“the lake that lights up”) and the presence of ancient Etruscan burials. One myth says that once upon a time, there was a wheat field instead of the lake. On 26 July, the owner decided not to honor St. Anna (the patroness of harvesters) and forced his farmers to continue working on the wheat field. Unfortunately, that day, the earth swallowed up the peasants and oxen, giving rise to the lake. Legend has it that the song of those peasants can still be heard on summer nights…

Source: tuttomaremma.com