Montemassi in Maremma, Tuscany

05 May Montemassi

Posted at 15:54h in Villages and towns by supporto

Of Aldobrandescan origin, like most of the small towns present in the area, Montemassi with its famous castle, after having been passed down through numerous dynasties, appears today as a town that has been able to maintain its compact inhabitated center in pinecone layout, one that gives it a picturesque aspect.
From the old walls that protected the town remains only an old gateway made up of a round arch, which, from the western part of the hill, allowed and still allows fort the access to the inhabited center.

THE CASTLE

The castle is without a doubt the most well-known monument of the community of Roccastrada, for its historical significance (its construction is depicted in the famous fresco attributed to Simone Martini, “Guidoriccio da Fogliano all’assedio di Montemassi” inside the Palazzo Pubblico of Siena) and its architectural relevance for being a significant example of gothic architecture.
The ancient fortification that stands on the highest hill is still majestic in its dominant position. Two main bodies are recognizable: north is the keep with numerous windows, having also the function of palace, and southt the remains of a square tower with elements of excellent craftsmanship.
The housing underlying to the castle holds only few traces of the perimeter walls in the houses that were important in the construction of the castle.

THE FRESCO OF GUIDORICCIO DA FOGLIANO: A UNRESOLVED MATTER

In the world map room of the Palazzo Pubblico of Siena the Fresco ‘Guidoriccio da Fogliano all’assedio di Montemassi’ is preserved, dating back to 1330 and depicting the conquest of the fort by the commander of the Sienese troops in 1328.
The painting, always attributed to Simone Martini, has today been the center of a debate on its origin.
After some preparatory drawings came to light, following a long controversy started in 1977 and the recent finding would have you think it was a 15th century replica. And so the question of the true author of the work remains open.

Activities and attractions in Montemassi

Appointments and events in Montemassi

Aprile, 2026

May also be interested ...

Follonica Da città del ferro a località balneare La lavorazione del ferro estratto all’Isola d’Elba era fiorente nel Golfo di Follonica già dal VI sec...
Medioevo nel Borgo "Chi siete? Quanti siete? Da dove venite? Cosa portate? Un fiorino." Quando il nemico non preme alle porte del castello la vita nel borgo, oltrepassa...
Domenica 4 giugno e-enduro Specialized a Massa Marittima Domenica 4 giugno tra le dolci colline che circondano il borgo di Massa Marittima, gioiello dell’Alta Maremma, si svolgerà la 2ª tappa del circuit...
Im Urlaub auf der Insel Giannutri Die südlichste Insel der Toskana wird von einer üppigen mediterranen Vegetation und einer atemberaubenden Landschaften beherrscht, in denen man Ruhe...
Sovana Sovana: la Suana degli Etruschi Sovana, frazione di Sorano in provincia di Grosseto, nel cuore dell’Area del Tufo conserva la struttura d...
Canoeing Canoeing does not need particular physical skills: everyone can do it and it is ideal for the mind and for the body and it is relaxing. There are m...
On holiday in Gavorrano Some days of peace and quiet in the heart of Tuscna Maremma, between corners of wild and spectacular nature. Gavorrano The historic mining town ...
Per visitare l’isola di Giannutri noleggia una barca Per trascorrere una piacevole giornata in mare alla scoperta di luoghi unici e suggestivi scegliete la nostra barca a motore e potrete visitare alcune...