05 May Montemassi
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.
Ottobre, 2026
May also be interested ...
Excursions and trekking on holiday Are you in Maremma on holiday and in addition to well-deserved relaxation, do you want to experience new emotions and immerse yourself in suggestive l...
A weekend in Follonica For those looking for a vacation by the sea in Tuscany on the enchanting beaches surrounded by nature. An ancient village where ancient treasures and ...
Die Insel Elba
Die russige Insel
Elba ist die drittgrößte Insel Italiens (ca. 224 km²) und die größte des Toskanischen Archipels. Das älteste Volk, das auf...
Golf
Veri e propri tour che si snodano tra i prati più verdi della Maremma, con percorsi tutti da giocare ...
Argentario Golf Club
...
Castiglione della Pescaia da record: la più bella e la più amata d’Italia Le cinque vele di Legambiente e Touring Club Italiano sventolano ancora su Castiglione della Pescaia che per il 2015 guida la classifica stilata annua...
La Toscana Terra di Ciclismo – Eroica Giancarlo Brocci, l’ideatore dell’Eroica, la celebre corsa di tipo rievocativo storico, ha annunciato che il ritorno del ciclismo dei giovani avr...
On holiday in Pianosa, the flat island The former prison now visitable, where you can discover the marks left by man over the centuries and where nature reigns supreme between land and sea,...
Torre Mozza
Situated along the beautiful Etruscan coast within the Gulf of Follonica Torre Mozza is characterized by the Mozza Tower whose erection in the firs...
