Appreciate the scenic charm and fascinating history of this Tuscan hilltop town with ancient buildings and a mining past that predates the arrival of the Romans.
Massa Marittima is a gem in the Tuscan countryside. The hilltop town has an ancient centre and a mining heritage that dates back thousands of years. Visit old churches, browse archeological relics and go underground for a lesson in mining history.
Several of Massa Marittima's most important historical attractions are located in the medieval centre of the old town. Appreciate the beauty of the 13th-century St. Cerbonius Cathedral, a Romanesque-Gothic structure with a stately marble façade. Tour the triple-nave interior and study the items of religious art, including 15th-century frescoes.
From the cathedral, walk across the square to the Palazzo del Podestà, which houses an archeological museum. See relics, including Etruscan pottery and funerary objects, from numerous digs in the area. Nearby is the Fonti dell’Abbondanza, the original site of the town's water supply. It is notable for its fresco, which includes a depiction of a tree with male genitalia instead of leaves.
Toward the newer part of town you'll come across a number of ancient structures, including the Sienese Fortress and the Torre del Candeliere. These towers are open to the public and are a magnificent vantage point for views over the town.
Get acquainted with the town’s mining heritage by visiting the Mining Museum of Massa Marittima. Learn about mining techniques as you walk through underground tunnels that recreate a mine environment. During World War II, these subterranean passageways were used for shelter.
Experience some of the town's traditions at annual festivals, such as the Balestro del Girifalco in May and August. During this historical reenactment, competitors take part in a shooting competition using replicas of 15th-century crossbows.
Massa Marittima is situated in the province of Grosseto. The town is 73 miles (118 kilometres) southwest of FlorenceOpens in a new window and 81 miles (131 kilometres) southeast of PisaOpens in a new window, both of which have international airports. Arrive by car or by public transport and get around on foot or via the buses that cover most parts of this ancient hilltop town.
