Montemassi

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.

Activities and attractions in Montemassi
Appointments and events in Montemassi

Agosto, 2026

May also be interested ...

  • Saturnia Thermal BathsSaturnia Thermal Baths The world famous Saturnia The natural sulphurous waters of Saturnia, a small town in the municipality of Manciano, are famous for the rehabilitation...
  • Castiglione della Pescaia da record: la più bella e la più amata d’ItaliaCastiglione 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...
  • ArcheryArchery Concentration and precision Archery is an ancient art that involves concentration, confidence and precision. For those who want to learn this disc...
  • Oasi WWFOasi WWF Se dici maremma pensi subito al cinghiale come elemento più rappresentativo. Ma la Maremma è molto di più. A testimoniarlo le oasi wwf che ospita...
  • Der Strand von Cala ViolinaDer Strand von Cala Violina Der musikalische Strand Cala Violina ist vielleicht die schönste Bucht der Toskana. Ihren Namen hat sie vom „Geigenklang“ bekommen, der erkli...
  • Mit dem Fahrrad, um Ihren Urlaub perfekt zu machenMit dem Fahrrad, um Ihren Urlaub perfekt zu machen Sport für Jedermann, um unvergessliche Momente zu erleben und die abwechslungsreichen und spektakulären Landschaften der toskanischen Maremma aus ei...
  • PianosaPianosa Die flache Insel Wie der Name schon sagt, ist Pianosa die einzige Insel des Archipels ohne Hügel. Seit der Altsteinzeit bewohnt, Pianosa bewahrt ...
  • Gli altri borghi della MaremmaGli altri borghi della Maremma Qui di seguito troverete un elenco aggiornato degli altri borghi della Maremma: Roccastrada Campagnatico Castel del Piano Arcidosso ...