Discover Maremma

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

Gennaio, 2026

May also be interested ...

  • Archaeological Museum of Portus ScabrisArchaeological Museum of Portus Scabris PORTUS SCABRIS In 1999, during the works for the construction of the new port at Puntone in Scarlino Municipality, many underwater archaeological fin...
  • Giglio IslandGiglio Island The goats island The island has been inhabited since the Iron Age. Giglio owes it's name to the presence in past times of numerous goats (αίγες...
  • Palio Marinaro dell’Argentario 75° edizionePalio Marinaro dell’Argentario 75° edizione PORTO SANTO STEFANO – Entra nel vivo la sera di venerdì 12 agosto l’atmosfera del 75° Palio Marinaro dell’Argentario. I giorni più “caldi...
  • Itinerari a piediItinerari a piedi Castiglione della Pescaia Itinerario 1: da Ponti di Badia a Casa Rossa Ximenes (10 Km) Partenza da Ponti di Badia, Diaccia Botrona e Casa Rossa X...
  • Kitebeach FiumaraKitebeach Fiumara ...
  • SovanaSovana Sovana: la Suana degli Etruschi Sovana, frazione di Sorano in provincia di Grosseto, nel cuore dell’Area del Tufo conserva la struttura d...
  • Active holiday with soft raftingActive holiday with soft rafting For sports lovers even on holiday, to experience intense emotions, full of adrenaline, try the descent of the Ombrone river aboard a rubber dinghy, th...
  • A weekend on holiday in the old town of ScansanoA weekend on holiday in the old town of Scansano To admire the splendor of this small town of medieval buildings and wonderful panoramas in the countryside of Tuscan Maremma. Scansano Among anc...