About 60 kilometers from Principina a Mare, in the hinterland of the metalliferous hills, stands Massa Marittima, one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval villages in Tuscany. This small gem of art and history absolutely deserves a visit during your vacation in Maremma, offering unique emotions among ancient alleys, monumental squares and views that extend to the sea.
Massa Marittima is the ideal destination for a day trip, perfect for those who want to alternate beach days with discovering the Tuscan countryside. The village offers attractions for the whole family, from museums interesting for children to typical restaurants where you can savor Maremma cuisine, from craft shops to panoramic walks accessible even to elderly visitors.
Piazza Garibaldi: the heart of the village
Your journey to Massa Marittima begins at Piazza Garibaldi, considered one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Italy. Here stands the majestic Cathedral of San Cerbone, a masterpiece of Tuscan Romanesque architecture with its facade decorated with blind arcades and a central rose window that captures the eye.
The interior of the cathedral houses art treasures such as the Ark of San Cerbone, a masterpiece of medieval sculpture, and valuable frescoes. The visit is free and recommended even with children, who will be fascinated by the carved columns and the stories depicted in the artworks.
The same square faces the Palazzo del Podestà, now home to the archaeological museum, and the Town Hall with its tower from which you can enjoy a spectacular view of the surrounding hills. The square has a slight slope, a typical characteristic of medieval villages built following the natural contour of the land.
The old town and the new town
Massa Marittima is divided into two parts connected by an evocative staircase: the old town and the new town. The old town develops around Piazza Garibaldi and is the historic heart of the village, while the new town, built in the 13th century, is located higher up and houses the Sienese Fortress and the Candeliere Tower.
The walk that connects the two parts of the village through Via Moncini is an experience not to be missed. The narrow alleys flanked by stone houses, craft shops, small stores selling local products and traditional taverns create an authentic atmosphere that will make you feel transported to the Middle Ages.
The Candeliere Tower and the Sienese Arch
One of the symbols of Massa Marittima is the Candeliere Tower, 30 meters high and connected to the Sienese Fortress through the Sienese Arch, a spectacular masonry bridge-arch that overlooks the rooftops of the village. Climbing the tower is an exciting experience that offers a 360-degree panorama of the metalliferous hills and, on clear days, you can even glimpse the sea.
The climb requires some physical effort but is absolutely worth it. For those with mobility difficulties, the view from the base of the tower and from the Sienese Arch is still very evocative.
The museums of Massa Marittima
The village hosts several interesting museums that enrich the visit. The Archaeological Museum in the Palazzo del Podestà preserves Etruscan and Roman artifacts from the area, while the Museum of Sacred Art houses works from churches in the region.
Particularly fascinating for children is the Mining Museum, located just outside the historic center. Here you can visit a real mining gallery and discover how the miners who for centuries extracted copper, silver and other minerals from the surrounding hills lived and worked. The guided tour with helmet and headlamp is an adventure that will excite the little ones.
Cuisine and typical products
Massa Marittima is also a paradise for food lovers. The trattorias and restaurants of the village serve traditional Maremma dishes such as Maremma tortelli, wild boar stew, gnocchi with hare ragù and typical desserts like panforte and cavallucci.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the shops that sell local products: honey, pecorino cheeses, artisanal cured meats, DOC wines from the metalliferous hills and Tuscan extra virgin olive oil. They are excellent souvenirs to take home to remember your vacation in Maremma.
How to organize your visit
Massa Marittima is about 60 km from Principina a Mare, reachable by car in about an hour through panoramic roads that cross the hills. We recommend dedicating at least half a day to the visit, even better a full day to savor the beauties of the village at your leisure.
The historic center is largely pedestrian, so you’ll need to leave your car in the parking lots outside the village. During summer, avoid the hottest hours of the afternoon and prefer the morning or late afternoon to stroll through the alleys.
Discover the Maremma hinterland from your base in Principina
From our apartments in Principina a Mare you can easily organize trips inland to discover wonderful villages like Massa Marittima. Request a personalized quote and book your vacation between sea, history and traditions in the splendid Tuscan Maremma!