A medieval Tuscan hill town with 13th-century cathedral and mining museum. The central piazza houses historic buildings and ancient water fountains.
Massa Marittima sits atop a hill in southern Tuscany. Walk through its narrow stone streets to discover the 13th-century Cathedral of San Cerbone with its asymmetrical facade, climb the Torre del Candeliere for views across the Maremma countryside, or explore the underground tunnels of the Mining Museum. In the town center, medieval frescoes decorate the walls of the Fonti dell'Abbondanza, while local restaurants serve traditional Tuscan dishes like pici pasta and acquacotta soup.
Exploring Piazza Garibaldi
The triangular Piazza Garibaldi anchors Massa Marittima's old town. As you climb the steps toward the Cathedral of San Cerbone, an optical illusion makes the building appear to grow larger. Inside the cathedral, you'll find three significant artworks: a 1267 Romanesque font, a Gothic reliquary from 1324, and a Maestà painting by Duccio di Buoninsegna. The Palazzo Pretorio and Palazzo Comunale frame the square, their stone walls decorated with family crests and arched windows.
Medieval Art Collections
Visit the Archaeological Museum in the Palazzo Pretorio to see Etruscan artifacts and Ambrogio Lorenzetti's paintings. The Complesso Museale di San Pietro all'Orto displays medieval statues and paintings removed from the cathedral for preservation. Opening hours run from 11am to 1pm and 3pm to 5pm in winter, with longer hours during summer. Look for the religious art collection from the 13th and 14th centuries.
Ancient Water Sources and Hidden Art
Walk down to the Fonti dell'Abbondanza, a 13th-century public water source, to see the Tree of Fertility fresco discovered in 2000. This medieval artwork depicts unusual scenes that continue to generate discussion among researchers. Below the structure runs a 250-meter tunnel that filtered the town's water supply.
Mining Heritage and Museums
Step into the Mining Museum's underground tunnels to experience the town's mining past. Examine old equipment and mineral samples while learning about extraction methods dating back to Etruscan times. The museum explains how mining transformed Massa Marittima, especially during the 13th and 14th centuries when it earned the name "Massa Metallorum."
Local Traditions and Festivals
Watch the Balestro del Girifalco crossbow competition in May and August, when 24 contestants from three town districts compete in the cathedral square. Before the competition, 200 participants parade in medieval costumes through the streets.
Views from the Tower
Climb the Torre del Candeliere in the upper town for views over the Maremma region. The path leads through the 13th-century Cassero Senese fortress. From the top, look out over terracotta roofs and rolling hills - on clear days, you can see the Mediterranean Sea. The tower marks where the old town meets the new, connected by the sloping Via Moncini.
Food and Wine
Try Monteregio DOC wines in the restaurants around Piazza Garibaldi. Local specialties include Pici all'Aglione (hand-rolled pasta with garlic sauce) and Acquacotta (a vegetable soup created by local shepherds). Wine shops throughout town sell local wines alongside Tuscan olive oils and cured meats.
