MASSA MARITTIMA
Massa Marittima, a medieval jewel located in the heart of the Tuscan Maremma, is a town rich in charm, history and art. This ancient town offers visitors a plunge into the past thanks to its extraordinary cultural and architectural heritage, which testifies to the greatness of a city that, in the Middle Ages, was one of the most important centers of Tuscany.
The heart of Massa Marittima is the majestic Cathedral of San Cerbone, a masterpiece of Tuscan Romanesque-Gothic architecture. Located in the striking Piazza Garibaldi, the cathedral dominates the scene with its imposing facade and sculpted details. Inside, it holds precious works of art, including the Baptismal Font and the magnificent pulpit sculpted pulpit. It is one of the most important religious monuments in the Maremma and attracts visitors from all over the world.
Not far from the cathedral is the Fresco of Abundance, an extraordinary work from the 13th century, located in the Fountain of Abundance. This fresco is most famous for its unique depiction of a fertility tree, with distinctive fruits that have sparked debates among scholars and the curious. This enigmatic fresco is a symbol of the link between spirituality and daily life in ancient Massa Marittima.
Another symbol of the city is the Candlestick Tower, an imposing medieval tower built in 1228, which was part of the city's fortifications. Connected to the Sienese Fortress via a striking archway, it offers a spectacular view of the city and the surrounding countryside, all the way to the sea of the Maremma.
An unmissable event that animates Massa Marittima is the Balestro del Girifalco, a traditional medieval competition held twice a year, in May and August. During the balestro, skilled crossbowmen, dressed in historical costumes, compete in hitting a target with their ancient crossbows in an event that celebrates the town's history and folklore.
Massa Marittima is also home to numerous museums that tell its thousand-year history. The Archaeological Museum houses Etruscan and Roman artifacts, evidence of the ancient civilizations that inhabited this land. The Mining Museum, located in an old mining gallery, allows visitors to discover the important mining history of the Tuscan Maremma. Finally, the Museum of Sacred Art preserves a collection of religious works, including paintings, sculptures and liturgical objects, which testify to the central role of faith in the life of the town.
Visit Massa Marittima means immersing yourself in the history of Tuscany, exploring the heart of the Maremma and discover a village where every corner tells a thousand-year history.
