Massa Marittima
Massa Marittima is situated on a hilltop that overlooks the Gulf of Follonica. The city carries the name “Gem of the Middle Ages” for its beautiful Romanesque and Gothic buildings and “Massa Metallorum” for the importance of its mines. The origins of the town are uncertain, but it acquired importance with the trasferring of the bishop’s seat from Populonia to here.
Massa Marittima’s economic livelihood has always come from mining, agriculture and crafts and it is only in recent years that tourism has begun to play an economic role.
Its historical monuments have only now been recognized for their beauty and cultural value and Massa Marittima has become one of the most appreciated towns in Maremma.
Strolling through the quaint Medieval streets and the antique centre, it is still possible to find shops carrying locally produced handcrafts. The town’s many museums are open all year round to about 60,000 visitors a year and the numerous small restaurants and wineries offer these visitors delicious provincial cooking and wines.
During the summer season, wonderful operas are staged in the town’s The Piazza del Duomo, a square which ties religious and municipal buildings together beautifully. The Duomo and the Episcopate can be found on one side of this piazza and the Palace of the Podestà and town hall on the other. Additional splendors which surround this impressive square, include fountains, the loggie and the Bandini and Biseni palaces.
Thanks to its copper and silver mines, Massa Marittima became a “Libero Comune” in 1225, released from its ties as the bishop’s vassal. In 1335 Siena overtook the town and constructed a formidable fortress. After falling under Medici dominion, Massa Marittima flourished once more in the 19th century under Leopold II with the revival of mining.
Massa Marittima is perhaps best know as the home of the famous “Toscano fotofestival,” (Tuscan Festival of Photography) held every year between July and August. This exhibition presents work by top photographers, holds screenings and numerous workshops and hosts meetings and discussions on themes connected to photography.
