Garibaldi square
Piazza Garibaldi is the heart of Massa Marittima . Whether you like it or not, you can’t resist gravitating towards this square.
It simply draws you in with its color and vibrancy. There are always people sitting on the steps of the Duomo watching the street artists, tourists or the markets that are often set up in the square.
Historically this has always been the center of the city. When the Pisans came they built it, when the Massetanis became independent they expanded it and when the Republic of Siena took over they renovated everything.
There’s no better place to admire the architecture of Massa Marittima, whether from the steps of the Duomo or from one of the square’s elegant alfresco restaurants.
The best place to start your visit of Piazza Garibaldi is the Duomo. Once the medieval church has left you speechless, turn your attention to the building on your right.
That is the Palazzo del Podestà. An imposing square-shaped building adorned with the coats of arms of the city’s past noble families. Although the palace was built in the 12th century, its façade presents a later Romanesque-Lombard style.
The upper coat of arms, half black and half white, belonged to the Republic of Siena. Above the right door is a fantastic 14th-century bas-relief depicting Rome’s legendary she-wolf and twins.
The Palazzo del Podestà, once the apartment of the Captains of Justice, now houses the city’s archaeological museum.
If you continue to turn right, the next building in the square is the Palazzino del Conte Biserno, built as a private home in the 13th century. With its lovely awnings and sculpted windows, this palace looks like something out of a Shakespeare play.
Part of this building is consumed by the first massive torrent of the Palazzo del Comune, the grandest building in Massa Marittima.
Built entirely of stone blocks, this palace looks more like a castle than a building. It is so large and elaborate that it was begun in the 13th century, but finished several centuries later.
The palace is a symbol of the architectural transformations that Massa Marittima has experienced over the centuries. Medieval simplicity mixes with 14th century Romanesque-Gothic. In the center of the building is the 16th century Medici family coat of arms. The last pieces of the building were added in the 19th century.
Conclude your 360-degree tour of the square with the Logge del Comune. A 13th century building that has been renovated so many times that it looks modern. During the summer months, the ground floor restaurant of this building hosts the most amazing al fresco dining experiences, complete with a belly dancer!
Although technically not located in the square itself, the Springs of Abundance are a must-see. The building is famous for its fresco depicting a tree painted with male genitalia instead of leaves. The fresco is called the Tree of Fruitfulness.
