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The Tuscan Maremma is scattered with churches, abbeys, palaces, monasteries and
castles; the heritage of past civilisations endures in the remarkable archaeological sites and
remains.
The most famous monuments include the Cathedral in Massa
Marittima, the most eminent example of religious architecture in the province, which dates to the middle of the 12th century. From Massa Marittima, in the heart of the Metalliferous Hills, descending towards Vetulonia one can visit the
monumental tumulus tombs (burial mounds)named the Pietrera, the Diavolino and Fibula d’Oro (VII century B.C.) where numerous beautiful and precious artefacts have been discovered.
Nearby is Roselle with its
Etruscan-Roman ruins; inland, the rocky necropolis of
Sovana, with its Sirena and Ildebranda tombs, the towns of Manciano and Pitigliano, a
medieval town of Etruscan origin built atop rocks and
cliffs.
Towards the Amiata Hills stands Santa
Fiora, well worth a visit to enjoy the cool ash forests and woodlands around its ancient Peschiera ( fish pond) and to admire the splendid ceramics of Andrea and Luca della Robbia held in the Church named after Saints Lucilla and Fiora.
The Tuscan Maremma is, and has always been, both birthplace and adopted home of numerous artists and writers many of whom are contemporary masters.
Niki de Saint Phalle fulfilled her dreams of sculptress near Capalbio with the creation of her breathtaking
Giardino dei Tarocchi at Garavacchio filled with giant multic-coloured figures. In Seggiano
Daniel Spoerri has created his Art Garden which every year hosts, along with his own works, the sculptures of many famous international artists. |
