This noble city has been called a 'Medieval Gem' for the beauty of its Romanesque and Gothic buildings and "Massa Metallorum" for the importance of its mines. It is a jewel case where everything has retained the harmonious proportions of an old city of art, a summation of its important monuments, the Torre del Candeliere, the Fortezza dei Senesi, the Palazzo dell'Abbondanza and the Fonti dell'Abbondanza with a fresco from 1265.
The narrow streets and historic centre abound in fountains, loggias and homes of notable personages dating from the middle ages. The streets of Massa Marittima display a veritable collection of extraordinary and unforgettable Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
Above all, there is the Piazza del Duomo, the heart and soul of the city. Here, religious and civil architecture coexist without rivalry, the Duomo and the Episcopate on one side and the Palaces of the Podestà and the Town Hall obliquely opposite, not face to face as in other medieval squares. This free city flourished thanks to its copper and silver mines and displayed its prestige by coining its own money 'the Grosso massetano' with the image of Saint Cerbone, the patron saint of the city to whom the Cathedral is dedicated.
Important artists of the 14th century were commissioned to execute such works for the Cathedral as the famous tomb of Saint Cerbone by Goro di Gregorio, the polychrome wooden crucifix by Giovanni Pisano and the masterpiece depicting the Madonna of Grace attributed to Duccio di Buoninsegna.
The smaller centres of Prata and Tatti hold the same fascination. These two small villages have kept their medieval appearance as have Valpiana, Niccioleta and Fenice Capanne which have also maintained the urban structure typical of mining towns.
The crossbow was an essential weapon in the city's defence and still today, after so many centuries, that tradition lives on. Every first Sunday following May 20th and the second Sunday of August, the traditional 'Balestro del Girifalco' takes place.
The competition is preceded by a grand parade in medieval costume (with participants from the three town districts) and an exhibition by the skilful local flag throwers.
In July and August, Massa Marittima hosts other important events such as operas performed in the beautiful Piazza del Duomo and the now famous 'Toscana fotofestival'. This is comprised of a series of photographic exhibits with works by major photographers, meetings and debates on photographic themes, screenings and numerous workshops.
This noble city has been called a 'Medieval Gem' for the beauty of its Romanesque and Gothic buildings and "Massa Metallorum" for the importance of its mines. It is a jewel case where everything has retained the harmonious proportions of an old city of art, a summation of its important monuments, the Torre del Candeliere, the Fortezza dei Senesi, the Palazzo dell'Abbondanza and the Fonti dell'Abbondanza with a fresco from 1265.
