Colline Metallifere

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The Colline Metallifere (“Metalliferous Hills”) are a group of hills in the north of the Province of Grosseto, stretching into the neighboring provinces. This area has been known since ancient times for being rich in mineral resources, hence its name.

Massa Marittima

Massa Marittima is a town located among the Colline Metallifere in the Province of Grosseto. Inhabited since ancient times, the town emerged during the Middle Ages, and lived its golden age as the capital of a small republic between 1225 and 1336. The city declined after a series of plagues, and it was later ruled by Siena and then Florence. Throughout its history, Massa Marittima has always been a mining center, until the last mine was closed in 1994. The town is now a tourist destination with various historic attractions.

Massa Marittima Cathedral

Also known as: Cathedral of San Cerbone (Cattedrale di San Cerbone)

The Massa Marittima Cathedral (Duomo di Massa Marittima) is the main church in Massa Marittima, erected during the Late Middle Ages. The facade and the bell tower of the large church both feature various decorations in Pisan Romanesque style. The cathedral houses several artworks, including a painting by Duccio di Buoninsegna and an elaborate 14th-century sarcophagus.

Archaeological Museum of Massa Marittima

The Archaeological Museum of Massa Marittima (Museo Archeologico di Massa Marittima) is hosted inside the Palazzo del Podestà, a 13th-century palace located next to the cathedral. The museum houses various fossils and finds dating as far back as the Paleolithic, and rich collections of prehistoric and Etruscan artworks.

Torre del Candeliere

The Torre del Candeliere is a 13th-century tower in Massa Marittima, now hosting a museum of local history and a panoramic terrace with a view over the town. The tower was once part of the fortifications of the city, and a small fortress known as Cassero Senese is located nearby. Various other sections of the ancient walls and city gates still surround Massa Marittima.

San Pietro all’Orto Museum Complex

The San Pietro all’Orto Museum Complex (Complesso Museale di San Pietro all’Orto) is a museum in Massa Marittima mostly focused on religious art. The complex is housed inside a former medieval church and convent, and it features a rich collection of artworks from the Late Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The museum also includes a section dedicated to contemporary art, housing various works from the 20th century.

Mine Museum of Massa Marittima

The Mine Museum of Massa Marittima (Museo della Miniera di Massa Marittima) is a museum dedicated to the history of the mining activity in Massa Marittima. The museum houses various historic pieces of mining equipment and a collection of minerals found in the surrounding hills.

Monterotondo Marittimo

Monterotondo Marittimo is a small town located among the hills of the Province of Grosseto, north of Massa Marittima. The village is known for hosting a geothermal park and for its historic mining activity.

Naturalistic Park of the Biancane

The Naturalistic Park of the Biancane (Parco Naturalistico delle Biancane) is a geothermal park located just north of Monterotondo Marittimo. The park features the characterstic “biancane”, white hills rich in minerals, and various geothermal wells that transform steam into power. Inside the park there is also a museum dedicated to the local geology.