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Massa Marittima
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Massa Marittima, tourist information about Massa Marittima, on line guide to
Massa Marittima, in
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Massa Marittima. 380 m above sea level. Population
9000
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.
Sigths to see:
- 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. (guided tours available)
- Events: The "Balestro del Girifalco" - Since ancient times, twice a year
on the first Sundayafter 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.
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