Massa
Massa in Tuscany offers the tourist a look at the ancient marble quarries revered by sculptures from Michaelangelo to Henry Moore.
A VIEW OF THE OLD TOWN CENTRE OF MASSA
Palazzo Ducale (16th century)
Started in 1557 by Alberico Cybo-Malaspina, it is the result of the transformation-development of a pre-existing Malaspina building.
The complex architectural work only finished in the next century, with the façade decorated by Alessandro Bergamini.
Another Bergamini, Francesco, drew up the project for the chapel, with rich decorations by artists from Carrara including Ferdinando Tacca.
Francesco Bergamini also supervised the building of the internal portico, the monumental stairs and the upper loggia.
The characteristic “Grottesco” on the round floor dates back to 1701.
The building is currently used for the Prefecture and the Provincial Administration offices.
Info: URP Provincia di Massa-Carrara, Tel. 0585 8162210585 816221;
Chiesa Cattedrale SS. Pietro e Francesco (14th century)
According to reports from the period, at the end of the fifteenth century construction work starter on the Convento di S. Francesco di Massa.
It isn’t clear whether the church was built at the same time as the convent, or if the first was built onto an existing building.
The second hypothesis is believed to be more plausible by scholars, who date the year of the consecration as 1389. This makes it the oldest church of Massa, after the Pieve di S. Pietro (which no longer stands today). The current façade dates back to 1936.
The interior consists of one single spacious nave interrupted by a cross, with eight altars plus the high altar of the apse, all richly decorated with polychromatic marble.
There is also a font by Riccomanni, as well as many paintings and sculptures. In the valuts you will find the tombsd and the chapel of the Cybo-Malaspina family.
Chiesa della Madonna del Carmine (16th century)
Built in the middle of the 16th century with the Santa Chiara monastic complex by order of the Marchesa Taddea Malaspina.
The entrance to the building is guarded by a slender portico with marble columns, with a Majesty.
Inside there is a painting of the Lombard School, that dates back to the 15th century, dedicated to the Madonna del Carmine and, next to the high altar, tow paintings attributed to Domenico Fiasella.
The Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art
The Museum is housed in the “palazzino dei cadetti” which was built at the end of the 16th century by Alberico I Cybo-Malaspina and has recently been reconstructed.
The museum contains some important materials relevant to liturgy and the profession of the Catholic faith in the province of Massa-Carrara, coming from all the churches of the diocese.
They are precious objects and works, not only for their artistic value, but also and especially for their liturgical use.
Info: via Alberica, 26. Visit must be booked in advance, Tel. 0585 89902230585 8990223/883001;
OUTSIDE THE CENTRE
Castello Malaspina
Well preserved, the Castle shows the development of the military architecture. A primitive fortress fated tenth-eleventh century, was enlarged during the fifteenth century, becoming a renaissance building decorated with marble at the windows and polychrome figures on the walls.
Durino the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries it was fenced with rampants for defending from attacks. From the walls it is possible to see the city, the Apuan Alps and the sea.
Museo Etnologico delle Apuane
Situated in the Santuario degli Oliveti, it originally consisted of a collection of Lunigiana material related to the agricultural-pastoral use..
The museum, which developed over the years, today contains over ten thousand pieces related to the life and folk of Lunigiana, Garfagnana and Versilia. Its position in the heart of the Apuan Industrial Zone has led it to collect many pieces relevant to industrial archaelogy.
Info: via Uliveti, 85; loc. Madonna degli Uliveti, Massa. Visits must be booked in advance for groups and schools. Closed Monday. Tel. e fax 0585 251330.
Chiesa di S. Leonardo al Frigido
This church is all that remains of an ancient settlement which probably stood on the site of a Roman Mansio serving those who travelled the Via Aemilia Scauri after passing the River Frigido in the direction of Luni. In the Middle Age the sacred building, in Romanesque Style, was also annexed to a “spedale”, in other words a hospice for travellers.
It was completely restructurated in the 1950’s and consists of a single environment, with a choir resting on a semicircular structure, perhaps the base of the old apse.
The original portal by Biduino was removed, probably in the post-war period, and is today on show at the Metropolitan Museum in New York.
Info: tel. 0585 2401400585 240140
Massa: discover the surroundings
Accommodations in the area
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- Seravezza (Lucca)
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4 km from Massa
Villa Montignoso Massa 6 beds pool
Wonderful villa for rent with swimming pool and panoramic view that sweeps from the Versilia sea to the Apuan Alps immersed in the green hills of Versilia.
Availability request
The ideal solution for those who want a villa in the hills of Tuscany in a position of absolute privacy and relaxation but at the same time not far from the sea. -
- Forte dei Marmi (Lucca)
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6 km from Massa
Villa Crociale Forte dei Marmi 12 beds pool
Beautiful villa with pool and dépendance surrounded by greenery, in privacy and tranquility on the outskirts of Forte dei Marmi about 2 km from the Tuscan sea.
Availability request
Excellent solution for those looking for an important villa in an excellent position in Forte dei Marmi -
- Forte dei Marmi (Lucca)
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6 km from Massa
Villa Vittoria Apuana Forte dei Marmi 11 beds pool
Splendid villa for rent in a central area of Forte dei Marmi and only 800 meters from the Versilia sea.
Availability request
The ideal solution for those looking for a luxury villa in Forte dei Marmi not far from the sea and center. -
- Forte dei Marmi (Lucca)
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6 km from Massa
Villa Caranna Forte dei Marmi 15 beds pool
Beautiful Luxury Detached Villa with swimming pool, recently built, located in an exclusive complex, with a pitch in common and private spacious underground parking, in the Caranna area of Forte dei Marmi, about 1.5 km away from the sea.
Availability request
Villa ideal for those looking for comfort and luxury in Forte dei Marmi not far from the sea. -
- Forte dei Marmi (Lucca)
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7 km from Massa
Villa Forte dei Marmi 12 beds pool
Elegant villa for rent in Forte dei Marmi with private pool which stands out for its superior class finishes and quality furnishings.
Availability request
The ideal solution for those wishing to stay in Forte dei Marmi in a classy villa equipped with exclusive finishes. -
- Forte dei Marmi (Lucca)
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7 km from Massa
Villa Forte dei Marmi 12 beds pool
Splendid luxury villa with swimming pool located in Forte dei Marmi, Vittoria Apuana area, in the context of extreme privacy and tranquility, only 950 meters from the Tuscan sea.
Availability request
Excellent solution in Forte dei Marmi not far from the sea appreciated for its beautiful garden and privacy. -
- Forte dei Marmi (Lucca)
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7 km from Massa
Villa Forte dei Marmi 9 beds pool
Splendid villa with large swimming pool and fine finishes located in Forte dei Marmi the exclusive area of Vittoria Apuana, about 700 meters from the Tuscan sea.
Availability request
Excellent solution for spending holidays in Forte dei Marmi in a luxury location with all the services of an exclusive residence. -
- Forte dei Marmi (Lucca)
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7 km from Massa
Villa Forte dei Marmi 10 beds pool
Beautiful newly built villa located in the Vittoria Apuana area in Forte dei Marmi about 800 meters from the sea.
Availability request
Ideal solution for those looking for a large villa in Forte dei Marmi with swimming pool and large garden. -
- Forte dei Marmi (Lucca)
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7 km from Massa
Villa Forte dei Marmi 10 beds pool
Villa for rent in the private area of Forte dei Marmi about 1000 meters from the sea of Versilia with swimming pool and 1300 sqm garden.
Availability request
The prestigious villa for rent can accommodate up to 10 people and thanks to its privileged position is the ideal solution for those who want a solution that guarantees their privacy. -
- Forte dei Marmi (Lucca)
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7 km from Massa
Villa Forte dei Marmi 12 beds pool
Villa for rent in Forte dei Marmi with depandance and swimming pool surrounded by a private garden just 1 km from the sea on the Tuscan coast.
Availability request
The ideal solution to spend your holidays in Versilia with friends and relatives staying in two separate villas but with shared facilities. -
- Forte dei Marmi (Lucca)
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7 km from Massa
Villa Forte dei Marmi 12 beds pool
Prestigious villa for rent immersed in the green of Imperial Rome in Forte dei Marmi with swimming pool and garden. It can accommodate up to 12 people.
Availability request
Villa Principessa is the ideal solution to spend your holidays in Forte dei Marmi in a convenient position to reach the sea which is only 600 meters away. -
- Forte dei Marmi (Lucca)
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7 km from Massa
Villa Forte dei Marmi 13 beds pool
Beautiful villa for rent in Forte dei Marmi just 700 meters from the sea of Versilia.
Availability request
The proximity to the sea and the large garden with swimming pool make this villa perfect for those wishing to spend their holidays in Forte dei Marmi. -
- Forte dei Marmi (Lucca)
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7 km from Massa
Villa Caranna Forte dei Marmi 11 beds pool
Wonderful recently built luxury villa with pool located in the Caranne area of Forte dei Marmi about 1.5 km away from the Tuscan sea.
Availability request
Perfect solution for those looking for a large villa in Forte dei Marmi with high quality services. -
- Forte dei Marmi (Lucca)
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8 km from Massa
Villa Forte dei Marmi 12 beds pool
Luxury villa of new construction 3 km from the sea of Forte dei Marmi with luxury finishes and swimming pool. Located in excellent context from which you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Apuan Alps.
Availability request
The ideal solution for those wishing to stay in a quiet location in Forte dei Marmi. Spectacular view from the terraces. -
- Forte dei Marmi (Lucca)
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8 km from Massa
Villa Caranna Forte dei Marmi 14 beds pool
New and spacious villa with swimming pool for rent in Forte dei Marmi located in a quiet area about 1400 meters from Tuscan sea.
Availability request
Ideal solution to stay in a villa in Forte dei Marmi not far from the sea of Versilia.
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