Massa Marittima, San Galgano and Siena

The old mining town Massa Marittima, one of the most picturesque towns in Tuscany, is set among quiet hills high on the “Colline Metallifere”. The town has a legacy of very well preserved buildings dating back to the Middle Ages.
Probably founded by the Etruscans, during the Middle Ages it became a city state and achieved great splendour thanks to the copper and silver mines in the area; Massa Marittima includes the medieval old town and the “new” town with several buildings from the 14th century. The main focal point of the town is the unusual square Piazza Garibaldi with its Romanesque-Gothic cathedral, surrounded by some of the most beautiful buildings of the town. The outstanding cathedral was built in the 13th century when Massa Marittima entered its most flourishing era. A steep stair on the square leads to the cathedral’s main door. Its façade is finely decorated with an array of columns and sculptures. Behind the main altar is the marble reliquary tomb of Saint Cerbone, a masterpiece of Goro di Gregorio (1324) decorated on all sides. Travelling further through the typical hilly landscape takes us to San Galgano where you will be in awe of the ruins of a Cistercians abbey of the 12th century. The church with a Latin-cross plan was built between 1224 and 1128 with travertine and bricks. At the end of the 18th century the bell tower and the vault broke down. From the ruins you can now look at the sky and walk on a green meadow rather. Later we head to Siena to visit Italy’s most beautiful Gothic city.

Full-day – Duration Approx. 8 hours

Including

• 1 Full-day guided tour