Massa Marittima is divided up into three zones: La Citta Vecchia, La Citta Nova, and the Borgo. La Citta Nova is the section towards the top of the hill, past the castle, and the Cassero Senese, which was built in the 13th century, to protect and expand the city.
A local guard keeps watch against intruders and invaders (like me)!
The Torre del Candeliere was built in 1228. It is now open to the public on certain days, and it is possible to walk to the top.
A nearby park had some very interesting modern art, displayed on its grounds.
One of Massa’s main attractions is the Fonti dell’Abbondanza, built in the 13th century. During recent restoration work, a fresco was discovered under the first arch that makes up the facade of the building. In my opinion, it is worth traveling to Massa just to see this! It is a fresco of a tree that grows male sexual organs. Below the tree, one can see two women fighting over some of the tree’s “fruit.” At night, the fresco is lit up, and a recording of water is played, as the fountain is now dry.
Prosciutto e Popone is only one of the many good restaurants in Massa. Be sure to ask for a bottle of the local wine. It is delicious and, for lack of a better word, cheap, but not in quality, of course.
I was enchanted by the facade of the Teatro Mazzini. I can only imagine what it would have looked like inside. It is now closed.
Before dinner, we stopped at the café/bar/pizzeria located directly beneath our apartment. Then, we walked down the street to a restaurant called Il Gatto e La Volpe. The place was lovely. The food was good, simple Tuscan cuisine. I highly recommend it, to anyone visiting Massa.
Next up: More from Massa Marittima, including a trip into an abandoned mine, at the Mining Museum!
Note: This blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any other translations which may appear. If you have enjoyed this post, please, check out our archives for more posts from Massa Marittima, as well as other Italian destinations. Grazie!