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Massa Marittima was formerly a wealthy trading centre. Around the main square of the town, Piazza Garibaldi, stand all the public buildings and the Cathedral of S. Cerbone, a fantastic example of Romanic architecture. Other outstanding features are: Fonti dell´Abbondanza, Church of S. Agostino, Church of S. Pietro. Lively town with pizzerias, bars, restaurants.
In 1335 the city entered into the orbit of Siena, and thus began its decline, which lasted until the era of the grand duchy of Tuscany. In the 18th century, at the time of the Lorena dynasty, the extraction industry enjoyed a comeback, but by the 1970’s and 1980’s reached its final crisis. The city’s slow but progressive economic recovery came about thanks to the value given to its rich cultural resources: its numerous museums (Archaeological Museum, Mine Art and History Museum, Mining Museum, Explanatory Centre of Contemporary Art, the Antique Oil Mill), its important recurring initiatives (“Lirica in Piazza”- operatic works taking place every August in the evocative atmosphere of the Cathedral’s church square; the “Toscana Foto Festiva” attracting photographers of inernational fame with its photographic showx, workshops and seminars; the “Balestro del Girifalco” (gyrfalcon cross-bow shoot), a historic commemoration in 14th century costume in the form of a competition between 24 cross-bow shooters rom the three main districts of the city, taking place in May and August) and the natural beauty of its territory invite thousands of visitors to return year after year.
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