Discover Massa Marittima: Art, Mining and Olive Oil
File:Cattedrale di San Cerbone,Massa Marittima, Italy.jpg
Photo: g.sighele via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
In Massa Marittima, art history, archaeology, medieval architecture and traces of mining come together.
Art and Archaeology in Massa Marittima
The Museo di San Pietro all’Orto traces the art history of Massa Marittima from the 12th century through the 15th and 16th centuries. The visitor route through the San Pietro all’Orto Museum leads through five rooms. Highlights include the Maestà by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, original sculptures from the cathedral façade and the mysterious black reliefs.
The Complesso Museale di San Pietro all’Orto museum complex is located in the former San Pietro all’Orto monastery in Cittanuova. The former monastery thus provides the architectural setting for this museum complex, whose name is closely associated with San Pietro all’Orto.
The Museo Archeologico “Giovannangelo Camporeale” traces the settlement history of the Massa Marittima area from the Lower Palaeolithic to the Etruscan period. Another point of reference in time is the Cattedrale di San Cerbone: construction began in the 11th century, and it is a remarkable example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture.
The Torre del Candeliere was built in 1228 by the Free Commune of Massa Marittima as a watchtower. Together with the cathedral and the museums, it shows how different periods and functions coexist in the history of Massa Marittima.
The archaeological highlights also include the Parco Archeologico dell’Accesa. It is located in the municipality of Massa Marittima, about 7 km from the town. Archaeological settlement areas A and C are currently accessible and equipped for visits.
Mining History and Regional Products
The Museo della Miniera – Subterraneo is designed like a real mine, with three galleries arranged on one level and a total length of about 700 metres. During a visit, visitors can see mineral extraction techniques, the construction and securing of the galleries, minerals, as well as miners’ tools and equipment.
When planning your day, you can take into account the approximately 7 km between Massa Marittima and the Parco Archeologico dell’Accesa, as well as the Museo della Miniera’s total length of about 700 metres.
The Antico Frantoio also offers insight into an important part of the history of local products. The complete olive-processing facility illustrates both the use of animal power and human power. Visits to the Antico Frantoio are available exclusively as part of tours booked in advance.
Olive oil is considered an outstanding traditional product in Massa Marittima; numerous options are available for olive oil tastings. In the Massa Marittima area, you can also visit many wineries, wine shops and other establishments offering wine tastings or direct sales. This allows you to complement your cultural visit with a culinary focus.
For further orientation, you can also visit Prata, Tatti and Cura Nuova.
For the higher-level travel overview: Grosseto.
Check prices, availability and amenities for your travel dates directly on Booking.com.
View accommodation and offersAdvertisement · Affiliate link to Booking.comMore destinations
More places within the same destination:
