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Of medieval origin, it was long contested
by various signories before, in 1442, together with nearby
Carrara coming under the Malaspinas of Fosdinovo, later
succeeded by the Cybo Malaspinas (1553). When this family
line became extinct, Massa passed to the Estensis, the Dukes
of Modena. After the Napoleonic period (1796-1815) it was
annexed to the Kingdom of Sardinia in 1859. It is the capital
of the province of Massa Carrara. From 1939-1946 the town
was known as Apuania.
 The
core of Massa is Piazza Aranci named after
the orange trees that border the square on three sides.
On the remaining side there is the impressive Duke's Palace
(Palazzo Ducale, also known as the "red palace"
because of its flame red facade) which was built in 1550.
Its spacious inner courtyard is of extraordinary beauty.
The oldest part of the town centre is of
interest. It is partly surrounded by walls, beyond which
stretches a newer district which started to grow in the
16th century, on Cybo's orders, following a precise urban
plan.
Massa town is inserted in a zone with a
very big variety of landscapes: there are in fact at very
little kilometers of distance the sea, the cultivated countrysides,
the hills, the rising rockiest mountains of very pure waters,
and what hide one of the most precious things present in
the territory: the marble, dug and worked since the Roman
epoch in the quarries of the near Carrara.
The all understood and protected from a climate what, one
tempered and healthy, makes sure that it in this territory
never snows: in fact the orange there thriving as quiet,
as also many fat plants. To few steps from the plain, very
ancient origin mountain centers are raised (as Altagnana,
Antona, Parian), probably lived since the prehistoric epoch.
Monuments: Palazzo
Cybo Malaspina (18th century façade, interesting
interior), Duomo (14th century, frescoes, 13th century wooden
crucifix), Rocca (of medieval origin, with Renaissance additions,
overlooking the town).
 Malaspina
Castle is situated just a few minutes walk
above the town centre. The base of the square tower is the
oldest part, which is flanked by three cylindrical towers
enclosed by an embattled curtain wall.
(read more...)
The economy of Massa, traditionally linked
to the exploitation of marble from the nearby Apuan Alps,
has in recent decades developed considerably also in the
engineering, chemical, foodstuffs and building materials
sectors. The town is also a fair- sized commercial centre.
Events: Apuan
Alps Literary Award.
Famous People:
Felice Palma (sculptor, 1583-1625), Pietro Alessandro Guglielmi
(musician and composer, 1728-1804).
Cultural Institutions:
Museo Storico di Arte Sacra, Religious Art Museum, Orto
Botanico (botanical gardens, at Pian della Fioba, 1,000
m. 15 km away), Museo del Duomo.
In the Province:
Pontremoli (home of booksellers, Premio Bancarella-Literary
award), Aulla (Research and studies of Lunigiana), Fivizzano
(Archery competition 2nd Sunday in July), Marina di Massa
(seaside resort).
The most famous marble
in the world is to be found in the mountains surrounding
Carrara. Vast white spots blot the mountain peaks and, during
the winter, can easily be mistaken for snow.
Visit the MARBLE
MUSEUM and CULTURAL HERITAGE OF CARRARA CITY
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