On holiday in Montemassi

20 Dec On holiday in Montemassi

A small fraction of the community of Roccastrada famous for its castle and the wonderful panoramas that you can admire visiting this small village of Maremma; Montemassi.

Montemassi

Visit the village of Montemassi and its castle

The small village of Montemassi is dominated from on high by the castle, medieval fortification, belonging intially to the Aldobrandeschi family, but over the course of the centuries has seen and followed numerous battles over possession of these lands.
One of these made famous by the celebrated fresco “Guidoriccio da Fogliano all’assedio di Montemassi” by Simone Martini inside the Palazzo Pubblico of Siena, in the world map room. The castle represents an excellent example of gothic architecture and from the remains you can guess that it was not only used for military purposes but also as a residence.

Holidays completely relaxed walking through the roads of the town

The historic center of Montemassi presents even today the classic pine cone shape, that gives the town a characteristic and picturesque feel. The souther access gate is still visible with round arch, contrary to the ancient perimeter walls that have been incorporated into current housing.
Walking through the alleys of the center you can admire the church of Sant’Andrea and along the way you’ll notice marks left by projectiles from Sienese catapults during the repeated sieges.

The dispute of the celebrated painting

The painting “Guidoriccio da Fogliano all’assedio di Montemassi”, made in 1330, that shows the assault and following seizure of the Castle of Montemassi by the Sienese troops, led by commander Gidoricco of Fogliano, has been the center of a debate on the provenance of the work.
Some findings from 1977 have brought to light some preparatory drawings that would mark a renovation of the work that took place in the 15th century, disputing the attribution of the work to Simone Martini. According to others it is instead evidently and unmistakably the style of said artist.

The Museum of the Rural Community and the Rock of Montemassi

Near the Keep of the Rock of Montemassi you can visit the museum dedicated to the farming community. Gathered here is a great variety of objects and instruments tied to the farming world, thanks to the work of professor Mauro Zocchetta, who gathered over 3000 pieces from different historical periods.
A trail that details the various agricultural labors and their different productive environments, to introduce and remind of the farming and rural past of this region. After visiting the museum you can book a food and wine tour, to try the delicious wines and other culinary products of the region, a delight for the palate.