Plizio Visual Lab

Massa Marittima

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

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Massa Marittima is a medieval architectural jewel perched on a hill in the heart of Tuscany's Maremma. The focal point of the town is Piazza Garibaldi, home to the magnificent Cathedral of San Cerbone, a masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic styles. The town is split into the Old Town (Città Vecchia) and the New Town (Città Nuova) from the 13th century, connected by the massive Sienese Fortress and the striking Clock Tower. The town's history is deeply rooted in the mining of copper and silver in the surrounding Colline Metallifere, a legacy dating back to Etruscan times. Today, visitors can explore the Mining Museum set in real underground tunnels. Wandering through the steep cobblestone alleys, you will encounter medieval towers and welcoming boutiques selling local crafts. Don't miss the chance to taste the regional wild boar dishes and the Monteregio di Massa Marittima DOC wine. Twice a year, the town hosts the Balestro del Girifalco, a traditional crossbow competition that fills the square with medieval costumes and flags. Massa Marittima has a serene atmosphere and is located just 20 km from the Tyrrhenian coast, making it an excellent blend of cultural heritage and countryside escape.

Location: Italy
Top sights: Fonti di Bufalona · Museo Archeologico · Museo di Arte e Storia delle Miniere
Nearby: Follonica (17 km)
Population: ~5.707 (2014)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	5	6	9	13	17	22	25	25	20	16	11	7
Rain mm	57	62	62	51	55	34	28	31	68	77	103	80

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The medieval town of Massa Marittima is freely walkable. The cathedral and other historic buildings can be visited during opening hours.

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Typical hours

The cathedral is typically open daily from morning to early afternoon, with a midday break. The Mining Museum often has seasonal hours.

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Photography

Photography is allowed in most areas. In the cathedral and the Mining Museum, flash may be prohibited.

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Time needed

Allow about 2-3 hours for the historic center and cathedral. Add another 1-2 hours for the Mining Museum.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with other Tuscan hill towns like Volterra or San Gimignano for a full day of medieval atmosphere.

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Getting there

Reachable by car from Grosseto or Siena (about 45 minutes). Public transport is limited; a bus connects Massa Marittima to Grosseto.

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Insider tip

Visit the Mining Museum (Museo della Miniera) for insight into the ancient mining heritage. The guided tours through the tunnels are especially impressive.

Geography

Population

5,707 (2014)

Coordinates

43.04992, 10.88894

Facts

Founded in the 9th century AD
San Cerbone Cathedral is the main landmark
Famous mining history (copper and silver)
Divided into Old Town and New Town
Home to the Balestro del Girifalco
Located in the Colline Metallifere
Had its own mining laws in 1225
Monteregio wine region

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Follonica17 km · SWExplore →

Riotorto18 km · SWExplore →

Puntone di Scarlino20 km · SWExplore →

Guistir24 km · SEExplore →

Abbey of San Galgano24 km · NEExplore →

Assamo26 km · SEExplore →

Dasbiyo26 km · SEExplore →

Ali Adde27 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Massa Marittima (8)

Fonti di Bufalona 📍 landmark

A 13th-century fountain in Massa Marittima (built around 1200).

Museo Archeologico 🏛 museum

The Museo Archeologico in Massa Marittima displays significant ancient artifacts reflecting the area's rich history.

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Museo di Arte e Storia delle Miniere 🏛 museum

This museum explores the extensive history of mining and local geology in Massa Marittima.

Museo Santa Cecilia di Organi Meccanici Antichi 🏛 museum

The Museum of Antique Mechanical Organs houses antique mechanical organs and sacred art in Massa Marittima.

🌐 museodegliorgani.it🕒 Jun-Sep: 10:30-13:00,15:30-19:00; Oct-May: 10:30-12:30,15:00💶

San Bernardino a Vetreta⛪ religious

San Bernardino a Vetreta is a recognized historical convent complex located just outside Massa Marittima.

Fonti dell'Abbondanza 📍 landmark

A series of medieval stone fountains in the historic centre of Massa Marittima.

Castello di Monteregio 🏰 castle

The Castello di Monteregio is the ruins of a 12th-century hilltop castle in Massa Marittima.

Chiesa di San Francesco ⛪ religious

The Church of San Francesco is a 13th-century Gothic church with frescoes in Massa Marittima.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is the Massa Marittima Cathedral open?

Usually daily from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Is there an entry fee for the museums?

Yes, there is an entry fee for the Mining Museum and the Torre del Candeliere.

Is the old town accessible?

Partially; there are many steep alleys and cobblestones which can be difficult.

Is photography allowed in the Cathedral?

Photography without flash is usually allowed, except during services.

How much time should we plan for sightseeing?

About 3-4 hours are enough for the main sights and a lunch.

Massa Marittima: where is it located?

Massa Marittima is located in Italy.

Massa Marittima: what is there to see?

Highlights include Fonti di Bufalona, Museo Archeologico, Museo di Arte e Storia delle Miniere.

Massa Marittima: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

Massa Marittima: why is it worth visiting?

Massa Marittima is a medieval architectural jewel perched on a hill in the heart of Tuscany's Maremma.

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Massa Marittima

Best time to visit & climate