|
|
Through this journey we see how the presence of minerals in this area, and their extraction, influenced social, economic and cultural conditions since the Etruscan age. Massa Marittima owed its rise to two main factors: the decisions to transfer the Episcopal see to Massa from Populonia and, as already mentioned the extensive mineral deposits in the nearby Colline Metallifere. A period of decline began during the 16th century after a malaria outbreak, and the mines were only reopened in the 19th century after the swamps had been successfully drained. This long phase of decline had one advantage, however: today the town still looks very much as it did back then. The old town dates from the 11th to the 13th century, and the upper new town from the 13th and 14th centuries. After that time there was not enough money for any further alterations. Massa Marittima's Piazza Garibaldi is one of the most spectacular squares in Tuscany. Several magnificent buildings surround it: the Palazzo Comunale, and the Logge del Comune opposite it, the Palazzo Pretorio, and the Duomo, all form a perfect ensemble. The Cathedral was begun in the Pisan style in 1228, and completed in Gothic style in the 14th century. The inside and the outside both merit a close look. The square is the result of an incredible mix of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance architecture of incredible beauty. In its medieval historic center are several monuments related to the work of the miners and silversmiths. The Museo Miniera (mining museum) and the 2,300 ft long mining tunnel provide an insight into the methods of ore mining. |
|||
|
