Massa Marittima

Massa Marittima is an under-estimated Tuscan destination: it is what Volterra was five years ago – an “undiscovered” Tuscan hill town full of interest and charm. Massa Marittima was founded by the Etruscans, like many cities in Tuscany, and is located in the Colline Metallifere so that its history is closely linked to the copper and silver mines nearby. During the Dark Age, Massa Maritimma grew at the expense of Populonia, another ancient city of the Etruscans, where numerous Etruscan ruins may be viewed today.

Massa Marittima possesses a spectacular gothic-romanesque Duomo, as well as the Palazzo Pretorio, Palazzo Comunale, the Church of Sant’ Agostino and the Fonte dell’ Abbondanza. The “Balestro del Girifalco” is a cross-bow competition that has taken place here since ancient times, twice a year on the first Sunday after May 20 and the 2nd Sunday of August. Not surprisingly, Massa Marittima is considered one of the mediaeval jewels of Tuscany, and located in the hill country of the “off the beaten track” Maremma. In addition to its architectural and historical sights, from Massa Marittima there are spectacular views out over the plains of the Maremma far below.

Worth a visit. More about Massa Marittima.