Museum of Sacred Art

This museum has many things to offer. Not only is it housed in beautiful and serene Monastery of San Pietro all’Orto, but also features a fantastic mix of exquisite and macabre religious art.

Massa Marittima it has always exercised considerable religious power in the region. It was originally the seat of the medieval diocese and any religious institution here has never lacked money or luxury, which is great for modern tourists!

The monastery itself was built in the 12th century, and the frescoes on the walls during the various exhibitions were painted by the 14th century Sienese school. The museum focuses on the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries, when Massa Marittima was in its richest phase.

The exhibits are spread across five halls. The first room is dedicated to 10 very rare and very beautiful medieval bas-reliefs in gray and black alabaster taken from the Cathedral of Massa Marittima . They depict, among other things, the 12 Apostles.

The second room is rich in Sienese-Pisan Gothic sculptures dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. The statues of the griffin, the man and the horse also come from the Cathedral and are by Giovanni Pisano. The other marble statues in the room represent various saints and prophets and are by Gano di Fazio. You will also find a wooden crucifix by Giovanni Pisano and some mind-boggling reliquaries.

The next room contains mainly works by Amborgio Lorenzetti (1319-1347) – a very famous Sienese painter. Keep your eyes peeled for his striking gold masterpiece of the Madonna and Child surrounded by angels, prophets, saints, and apostles (pictured). This is undoubtedly the most beautiful and precious piece in the museum.

In the penultimate room there are paintings by Stefano di Giovanni known as ‘Sassetta’ (1392-1450). The last room is filled with silver chalices, precious objects from the church sacristy, sheet music and clothes.

The religious art displayed in this museum is among the most beautiful in the Maremma. It is a must for anyone who is passionate about art history or the artists who defined Siena in the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries.