ARTS AND HISTORY
Very important historical sites are at easy reach from La Casetta. We just mention a few of them but it will be a surprise for you to discover the artistic, historical and architectonical richness of this part of the region. Wherever you go unexpected hidden corners are waiting for you.

SAN GALGANO ABBEY : (301 mts on s.l.). The Abbey is one of the most important and characteristic examples of gotic-cistercense architecture in Italy. Of the Abbey of the 12th century, by now without roof, remains the navate facade and the imposing interior divided in three from high pillars on which rest spectacular arches which project around evocative shadows.

MONTIERI (700 mts on s.l.). The tiny village of Montieri rises on a hill encircled from chestnut trees, in the area of the metalliferous hills and famous since the past centuries for the mining activities. The village still mantain some of the old houses looking like small galleries and the important castle dating back to 13th century.

MASSA MARITTIMA (420 mts on s.l.). Massa Marittima lies on a hill only a few kilometers from the Tirrenic coast. Due to its position it dominates a heartbreaking panorama as perfectly described by George Dennis. More than for its individual, extraordinary monuments Massa Marittima (by now present in the UNESCO's World Heritage List) is appreciated for its historic city centre layout. In the main city square (Piazza Garibaldi) we find all of the buildings necessary for the public life of the city : the Cathedral of San Cerbone which represents one of the finest examples of Italian religious architecture (13th century), the Palazzo del Podestà, now seat of Government and Archeological Museum (12th-13th century) in which are kept the most prized paintings by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, Angelo Annunziante and Sano di Pietr , the Loggia del Mercato (the Market gallery), the Zecca (the Mint) and the Fonte Pubblica (Public Fountain) built up in 1265 and used as granary until 1778. Not to be missed in the "Città Nuova" are the Sienese Fortress (1325) and the Candeliere Tower, the Church and Cloister of Saint Augustine (1299-1351), the Church of Saint Francis (1220).
Close to Massa Marittima and worth a visit is also the lago dell'Accesa with its Archeological Park.

MASSA MARITTIMA MAIN ANNUAL EVENTS

· BALESTRO DEL GIRIFALCO : Historical reconstruction of the Master of Crossbows opened by a long parade of 150 participants in medieval costumes, and followed by a colorful exhibition of the flag bearers, the challenge take place among 24 archers twice a year on May and August.

· CLASSICA IN VILLA : Series of classical concerts held in the most impressive estates of the area. July/August.

· LIRICA IN PIAZZA : One of the most important summer performances of the region take place in August with San Cerbone Cathedral used as an exceptional backdrop for the event. Most important and well known operas by Verdi, Puccini, Rossini, Donizetti, Leoncavallo and Mascagni are performed in this very special open-air setting.

· TOSCANA FOTO FESTIVAL : The Festival of Photography take place in July and August. Exhibitions by the main international photographers are on display and a series of workshops conducted by photographers of international fame are organized.

· CALICI DI STELLE : Open air testing of DOC wines of the territory, take place around the narrow street of the city of Massa Marittima on the 10th August.