The town of Massa Marittima, located at 380 meters above sea
level with a population of about 9000, is set in the Colline
Metallifere (metal bearing-hills) enjoys an excellent panoramic location
on a hilltop dominating the Maremma area, at less than 20 km from the sea and
Tuscan beaches.
 
It was part of the most important mining area of
Tuscany and even today preserves many remains of its activities. The
medieval centre of the town is well preserved, with the gorgeous Duomo,
the Palazzo Pretorio, Palazzo Comunale, the Church of Sant' Agostino and
the Fonte dell' Abbondanza. It is considered one of the medieval jewels of
Tuscany.
- The Duomo: It emerges at the top of a flight of
steps in the beautiful Piazza Garibaldi, heart and focal point of the
medieval city. Built in the 13th century in Romanesque-Gothic style, of note is
the nice façade with arches and small loggias surmounted by pinnacles. The
pointed bell tower is characterized by a series of nice four-light
windows. Three nave interior, it preserves notable works of art such as
the 14th century travertine baptismal font, a 13th century crucifix and the "Madonna
delle Grazie" 14th century, attributed to Duccio di Buoninsegna. The Duomo also
preserves the "Natività" by Rutilio Manetti and on the high altar, the
marmoreous sculpture "Arca di San Cerbone", nice masterpiece of Sienese
school.
- Palazzo Pretorio: 13th century building with an elegant
facade adorned by two-light windows and coat of arms. It houses the
"Archaeological Museum" with many Roman and Etruscan finds and the
"Pinacoteca" picture gallery where the "Maestà" by Ambrogio Lorenzetti and
some works by Sassetta and Sano di Pietro are on display.
- Palazzo Comunale: Romanesque building in the 13th century, made from the
merging of 3 tower-houses.
- Sant' Agostino: Built in Gothic
style, the church has a travertine romanesque façade with portal, rose
window and semi-octagonal abside with arcs. Inside are works by Lorenzo
Lippi and Rutilio Manetti.
- Fonte dell' Abbondanza: Nice fountain
characterized by three pointed arches.
- Mining museum: It
consists in a series of underground tunnels recalling the real environment
of the mine, with an exhibition of instruments and machinery, as well as,
a rich collection of stones and ores belonging to the surrounding mining
area. (guided tours available)
- Events: The "Balestro del
Girifalco" - Since ancient times, twice a year on the first Sunday after
May 20 and the 2nd Sunday of August in Massa Marittima the " Balestro del
Girifalco" takes place. It's a crossbow competition between the quarters
of the city, named " Terzieri", which consists of hitting the target
placed at a distance of 36 meters from the start. Each crossbowman, 24
maximum, shoots an arrow. The crossbowman who is able to put the arrow nearest
the target centre is the winner. A gold arrow made by an artist, is the
prize for the winning arbalester, whereas, the winning quarter receives
the "Palio", a painted silk cloth. About 200 people in medieval costumes
take part in this historical event. A real flash back to the
past!
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Brief guide of Massa Marittima
Rooms for rent
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