Tuscany: the crossbowmen's competition in Massa Marittima

Massa Marittima is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Tuscany and one of the most attractive destinations in the Maremma. The town experienced its greatest splendour in the Middle Ages, a period in which the main monuments were built: the 13th-century Cathedral of San Cerbone, which stands in Piazza Garibaldi, the Palazzo del Podestà, home to the Archaeological Museum, and the Palazzo Comunale, to name but a few. Another awe-inspiring attraction is the fresco of the Tree of Fertility, located inside the ancient Fountain of Abundance. The city also offers an interesting museum system. In addition to the historical-artistic heritage, there is the beauty of the villages of Prata, Tatti, Ghirlanda, Niccioleta and Valpiana, small jewels to be discovered, equally rich in tradition and history, immersed in a natural landscape characterised by lush countryside in all seasons. Another pearl is Lake Accesa, a bathing lake to which Legambiente has awarded 5 sails and which also preserves the remains of an Etruscan settlement. Also in 2025, on the fourth Sunday of May and 14 August, the Balestro del Girifalco is held, a traditional competition between the three contrade (districts) of Massa Marittima (Cittavecchia, Cittannova and Borgo), each fielding eight crossbowmen. Before the actual competition, the procession in historical costumes (with around 200 participants), accompanied by trumpets and drums, passes through the streets of the town and reaches Piazza Garibaldi for the flag-wavers' performance. At the beginning of August, the 'Lirica in Piazza' event has been taking place for thirty years, with the churchyard of the Cathedral of San Cerbone as an evocative stage and the piazza as an auditorium. Massa Marittima is also a paradise for mountain bike lovers. Among the local addresses are the Pian dei Mucini resort, the Bike Hotel Massa Vecchia and Palazzo Malfatti, while for a break of taste you will be spoilt for choice between Agriristoro Podere Sant'Andrea or Podere San Michele, Bracali or the Locanda della Fattoria.