Massa Marittima - The name
is misleading, with the adjective "marittima", which
means "maritime" in Italian, seeming to refer to
the vicinity of the ocean or the fact, affirmed by various
local legends, that far back in time the ocean lapped at these
hills and later receded.
Actually, the adjective denotes the
region in which the city is located: that very special environmental
and cultural setting known as the Maremma, while the word
"massa "signified in late latin an aggregation oflanded
properties: thus, Massa di Marittima. It is situated in the
area of the "Colline Metallifere", or Metalliferous
Hills, noted for the presence of minerals which have been
associated since Etruscan times with the mining activity which
has been such a distinctive feature of the city i economic
and social history.
The city is divided in three parts
called "terzieri", a division which came about during
the thirteenth century when the transition from a feudal type
of organization to a communal one was accomplished. Around
the year two, the first urban nucleus established itself in
proximity to the Castello di Monteregio (Castle of Monteregio)
which, as the residence of the Bishop-Count, was built on
the highest point of the hill.
In 1225 after the city was liberated from the Bishops and
the Free Commune had been proclaimed, work was begun on the
public buildings necessary for civic life andwhich would form
what later became known as the Citta Vecchia (Old City).
The main square thus gathered together, the first example
of such a form, all the most important buildings the Cathedral,
the Ecclesiastic Residence, the Palazzo del Podesta, the Town
Hall, the Loggia del Comune, the Mint and the Public Fountain
and from it descended the streets of the Borgo, where the
artisan shops were located.
During the first half of the 13th century
the large increase in population due to the favorable social
and economic conditions created by the new institution of
the commune made it necessary to enlarge the urban area. This
extension, known as the Citta Nuova (New City), arose in the
immediate vicinity of the Torre del Candeliere, which was
just then being completed. It was given a particular urban
design characterized by an orthogonal grid plan, and the Church
of S. Agostino was built to replace the older S. Pietro all'Orto
which was by now insufficient.
In 1335 Siena conquered the city and
put an end to the Free Commune. This was the beginning of
a period of grave decay and depopulation. A few years after
their victory, the Siennese built the Fortezza, connecting
it with an arch to the Torre del Candeliere, and a new set
of city walls, which still divide the Old City and the Borgo
from the Citta Nuova (New City).
Where is Massa Marittima: is located in the north
of Grosseto province, on the border with the province of Livorno.
How to reach Massa Marittima: From Grosseto, take
direction north Livorno and exit after 45 Km at Follonica
est. Massa Marittima is 14 Km far
Nearby: Visit Castiglione della Pescaia, Bolgheri
Distances: Grosseto 60 Km - Siena 60 Km - Pisa 124
Km - Florence 114 Km
Correct name is Massa Marittima
Common mistakes are Masa, Maritima, Marritima, Maritma
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Massa Marittima
- Grosseto - Tuscany Italy
Massa Marittima 
