Massa Marittima (Tuscany):  380 m a. s. l. Population 9000  [ MAP ] 

The town of Massa Marittima, set in the Colline Metallifere (metal bearing-hills) enjoys an excellent panoramic location on a hilltop dominating 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 C 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 C travertine baptismal font, a 13th C crucifix and the "Madonna delle Grazie" 14th C, 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 C 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 C., 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. There are guided tours to the Museum; visitors will cover a 700 mt stretch, which is very easy to walk and feasible for people of all ages.  Closed on Monday.

- 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 arbalester, 24 maximum, shoots an arrow. The shooter 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!


How to get there:

By Train : The closest train stations are Follonica  and Grosseto : Train schedules

By air :International flights to Rome or Pisa - Domestic flights to Florence.