Albegna

The Albegna is a river in southern Tuscany, central Italy, and part of the Tyrrhenian Sea drainage basin. It rises on the southern slopes of Monte Amiata in the province of Grosseto and generally flows westward through a predominantly rural, hilly landscape, draining a broad basin before reaching the coast.

In its course the Albegna traverses a landscape that is largely agricultural, with riparian woodlands and intermittent wetlands along its lower reaches. The river’s lower stretch is influenced by tides and supports diverse wildlife, while the upper and middle sections contribute to local irrigation and small-scale land management practices. Flood control measures and weirs are used to manage flow and sediment in parts of the basin.

The Albegna valley has a long settlement history, with evidence of ancient and medieval communities associated with river crossings and bridges. Today the surrounding countryside is used for agriculture, including olive groves and vineyards, and the region is recognized as part of the broader Maremma landscape, known for its cultural and natural heritage.

The river’s mouth is on the Tyrrhenian Sea along the Grosseto coastline, near the coastal area around Talamone. The Albegna is one of several rivers shaping the rural character and ecological richness of southern Tuscany.

See also: List of rivers of Italy; Geography of Tuscany.