"Tuscany's medieval gem" were the words written on a mural at the entrance to Massa Marittima.
There could not be a finer definition of this proud city, birthplace of S.Bernardino da Siena: a free city, it coined its own money, (the "Grosso") and in the centuries immediately following the year 1000 was rich in splendid art treasures boasting one of the most beautiful squares in the whole of Italy. The mineral riches of this area deter-mined a certain continuity in urban settlements from prehistoric times with moments of great prosperity in the Etrsucan age, as can be seen from the settlement uncovered in the area around Lake Accesa.
Massa Marittima was a lively town centre in the Middle Ages. In 1225 it became a prosperous free city and proudly fought even with Siena
In 1235 it published its own Mining Statute, the first mining code known and one of the most complete mining legislations of the Middle Ages. Being at this time the only really important town, it was often threatened by Siena and was conquered in 1335.
Under the rule of the Medici the city faced a progressive decline mainly because of thecontinous outbreaks of malaria. However, with the programme of land reclamation carried out by the Lorena, Massa was re-born in the 18th century and recommenced its mining activity.
The city has a particular urban setting which includes two distinct parts: the "Cittavecchia" and the Cittanuova ( Old Town and the New Town). The real heart of the the Old Town is the Piazza Garibaldi which constitutes an interesting example of medieval urban development and is considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in Italy.
Piazza del Duomo is overlooked by the Cathedral, the Palace of the Podesta, the Palazzo del Comune and the Loggia.
Started in the first half of the 13th century, according to the Pisa style, the Duomo is a classic example of Romanesque - gothic architecture. Its majestic facade, rising above a steep and spectacular stairway, has on its lower and older level some walled arches. The bas relief of the portal stands out as do the half-figures of the lions above the capitals. The higher level, decorated with a large rose-window has a small gallery with five arches and in the tympanum there is an elegant ten-arched gallery whose columns rest on human and animal figures, the work of a follower of Giovanni Pisano.
The "Balestro del Girifalco"
The great contest between crossbowmen in medieval costume which takes place in Piazza del Duomo ,
is a particularly unique spectacle.
The "Balestro del Girifalco", as it is called, takes place twice a year (apart from extra sessions): on the 20th May, if a holiday, or the first holiday immediately after this date, and on the second Sunday in August.
Twenty four crossbowmen compete, 8 for each of the "Terziere" (three districts) into which the town is divided (Cittanuova, Cittavecchia, Borgo). This tradition goes back to when the town was a free city (libero comune).
The archer loads his crossbow with an arrow with the help of a jack, he takes aim and shoots his arrow at a target called "corniolo" (cornel) 36 metres away.
This "corniolo" is a long cone with a diameter of 12 centimetres.
The archer who places his arrow closest to the centre is the winner.
There could not be a finer definition of this proud city, birthplace of S.Bernardino da Siena:
In 1235 it published its own Mining Statute, the first mining code known and one of the most complete mining legislations of the Middle Ages. Being at this time the only really important town, it was often threatened by Siena and was conquered in 1335.
The city has a particular urban setting which includes two distinct parts: the "Cittavecchia" and the Cittanuova ( Old Town and the New Town). The real heart of the the Old Town is the Piazza Garibaldi which constitutes an interesting example of medieval urban development and is considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in Italy.
Piazza del Duomo is overlooked by the Cathedral, the Palace of the Podesta, the Palazzo del Comune and the Loggia.
Started in the first half of the 13th century, according to the Pisa style, the Duomo is a classic example of Romanesque - gothic architecture. Its majestic facade, rising above a steep and spectacular stairway, has on its lower and older level some walled arches. The bas relief of the portal stands out as do the half-figures of the lions above the capitals. The higher level, decorated with a large rose-window has a small gallery with five arches and in the tympanum there is an elegant ten-arched gallery whose columns rest on human and animal figures, the work of a follower of Giovanni Pisano.
is a particularly unique spectacle.
The "Balestro del Girifalco", as it is called, takes place twice a year (apart from extra sessions): on the 20th May, if a holiday, or the first holiday immediately after this date, and on the second Sunday in August.
Twenty four crossbowmen compete, 8 for each of the "Terziere" (three districts) into which the town is divided (Cittanuova, Cittavecchia, Borgo). This tradition goes back to when the town was a free city (libero comune).
The archer loads his crossbow with an arrow with the help of a jack, he takes aim and shoots his arrow at a target called "corniolo" (cornel) 36 metres away.
This "corniolo" is a long cone with a diameter of 12 centimetres.
The archer who places his arrow closest to the centre is the winner.
