As soon as we strolled into Massa Marittima on a sunny spring Sunday we were entranced. The spectacular Piazza Garibaldi is surrounded by stunning medieval buildings. The town was founded by the Etruscans.
The cathedral of San Cerbone sits high above the piazza and is reached by a steep stone stairway, making it seem very imposing. It is built of Travertine and was begun in the 12th century and finished in the 13th century. It has had several renovations over the centuries.
The interior was largely under scaffolding when we were there, but we could see that it is magnificent. It boasts a rose window with rare 14th century glass, a Romanesque font from 1,267, a Gothic reliquary (1316) and a 14th century fresco under which is a Roman sarcophagus from the 4th century…and many other stunning pieces.
Above this part of Massa Marittima, which is called la Citta Vecchia, the old city, is la Citta Nuova, new city. I don’t know why there is this distinction because the Candlestick Clock tower was built in 1,228 and the Sienese Fortress dates from the 14th century.
Of course we had to climb the tower. The stairs were particularly steep and narrow, but the view from the top was worth the climb. On a clear day, which it was, you can see Elba, Montecristo and Corsica.
Climbing down was not much better than the climb up. Most of it required going down backwards.
There is also a beautiful park at the top of the hill. It would be a lovely place to walk for the lucky residents of Massa Marittima.
We found an excellent enoteca, Le Sedici, where we were able to buy some local wine, olive oil and other local products.
On the way back to the car park we located the Fonte dell Abbondanza, the Source of Abundance. It is a covered spring and at the end of the building, now covered by glass, as it is being renovated, is the most interesting frescoed wall. It was dubbed the Fertility Tree when it was discovered in 2,000. Some bright spark felt the need to paint a tree covered with penises. Funnily enough, my youngest brother went through a stage when he was a teenager where he drew penises all over the place, Perhaps this was just the fertile mind of a 13th century young lad.
Massa Marittima is well worth a visit. It has some pretty streets to wander in. There are interesting shops, restaurants and bars. We will be back as we didn’t have time to see any of the museums.
Massa Marittima is in southern Tuscany, about 50 kilometres NNW of Grosseto. The name Marittima doesn’t refer to the sea, but to Maremma, the name of the area.
A really nice place to visit!
By: Sardo on June 10, 2014
at 9:45 am
We loved it. The fact that it was a beautiful day helped.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 11, 2014
at 9:23 am
Another great gem … and cheers to you to continue to find wonderful places to visit. Then again, it Italy, that not hard to do. 😉
By: aFrankAngle on June 10, 2014
at 10:35 am
Italy has a never ending supply of wonderful places to visit.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 11, 2014
at 9:22 am
never ending and then some.
By: aFrankAngle on June 11, 2014
at 10:35 am
Wow, what a place – it’s hard to pick favourites, but I love the stone font, the little Osteria and the shop with all the bread boards. The view down the stairs however, was stomache churning! Oh, and the prosciutto and mozzarella looked just perfect.
By: Jan on June 10, 2014
at 10:51 am
We loved Massa…another place to become a regular stop.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 11, 2014
at 9:22 am
Every time we drive by there on our way to France, we’ve wondered what it’s like. Now we know! Thank you for the great post, Debra! Beautiful photos (as usual!).
By: umbriascribe on June 10, 2014
at 1:27 pm
It a gorgeous town, with lots to see and do, well worth a visit.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 11, 2014
at 9:22 am
I’ve often wondered about Massa, but have never gone there. Thanks to your super photo’s and commentary that’ll probably change sometime this summer. Thank you again.
By: chris oconnor on June 10, 2014
at 2:24 pm
I’m sure you will love Massa, we did.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 11, 2014
at 9:21 am
really beautiful Debra. thanks.
By: george miori on June 10, 2014
at 3:08 pm
It is a beautiful town.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 11, 2014
at 9:20 am
Another great find Debra. What a lovely place.
By: Jim & Kerry on June 10, 2014
at 11:15 pm
It was a lovely surprise. We will go back.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 11, 2014
at 9:19 am
Love your photo tour. Beautiful. I’m hoping to visit Italy next year and look forward to more of your posts.
By: earthriderjudyberman on June 11, 2014
at 2:10 am
There is quite a bit of information about Italy on the blog. If you go back through the archives I’m sure you will find things of use. If I can help with anything,let me know.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 11, 2014
at 9:19 am
Thank you. I will check them out.
By: earthriderjudyberman on June 11, 2014
at 1:50 pm
Some photographs again Debra. The lay out, the colors, absolutely brilliant!
Have to find out what ‘vlakverdeling’ translates to in English. Because you have got that nailed.
By: Nicolet on June 11, 2014
at 3:25 pm
Hi Nicolet, Paul has arrived safe and sound. Massa was a lovely place to visit and just 2 hours from Bagni.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 11, 2014
at 4:27 pm
The frescos look better as it is with the ancient looks. I hope they are not doing too much restorations.
By: rommel on June 11, 2014
at 7:12 pm
We couldn’t really tell how much restoration was going on as the area had been glassed in. I had to press my camera against the glass to get a photo.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 13, 2014
at 1:57 pm
What a lovely town and as usual you are such a great tour guide-thanks Debra!
By: paninigirl on June 12, 2014
at 2:30 pm
It is a very pretty town, and pretty much devoid of tourists the day we were there.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 13, 2014
at 1:59 pm
You give a magnifying focus to places, capturing the detail in your presentation. I like the education.
By: Judy Spinney on June 12, 2014
at 6:24 pm
Thank you for your comments. I love to wander in these gorgeous towns, there is so much to see.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 13, 2014
at 2:02 pm
That puts the singing ringing tree in the shade! My dad would love that image, I might have to send it to him. I wish we could travel over to Italy one day, but in the meantime I am still enjoying all your wonderful glorious photos!
By: Joanna on June 13, 2014
at 9:36 am
The tree is quite something, I have never seen another like it.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 21, 2014
at 4:13 pm
What a beautiful day you picked for your visit. I’m glad you were brave enough to do the steep stairs as the views were lovely. I know I never would have done them. 🙂
By: Karen on June 13, 2014
at 11:44 am
The steps weren’t too bad, at least there weren’t too many of them.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 21, 2014
at 4:15 pm
Wonderful images, Debra. I do envy you, living in Italy. 🙂
By: anotherday2paradise on June 13, 2014
at 3:31 pm
I am about to leave Italy for my real home, Australia.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 21, 2014
at 4:17 pm
Safe travels. 🙂
By: anotherday2paradise on June 21, 2014
at 7:35 pm
If you come to Florence, the lines are ridiculous right now. Can’t get into anything. Glad I did all the tourist stuff in the fall.
By: halyse23 on June 21, 2014
at 2:48 pm
I don’t usually go to Florence after May, it is just too busy.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 21, 2014
at 4:18 pm