Chandelier Tower
Saint Augustine's Church
Saint Francis’ Church
Podesta's Palace
The Town Hall (Palazzo Comunale)
Abundance Fountains (Fonti
dell'Abbondanza)
Saint Cerbone’s Cathedral
Siennese Fortress and Chandelier
Tower
 
The Siennese Fortress and the Chandelier Tower, linked together
by an arch called the Siennese Arch, are a splendid example of
medieval architecture. Built according to a drawing by Master
Angiolo di Ventura, they are situated near to the Monteregio’s
Castle that was later restructured and today is the seat of the
Museum of Agricultural Civilization. The Siennese government used
this fortress to divide the people of Massa so that they could
not stand up against the invader.
The Chandelier Tower was built in 1228 by the Free State of Massa.
It is now 74 metres high, having had its original height reduced
by 1/3 when Sienna conquered Massa, as a sign of Massa’s
submission to Sienna.
It was at this time that Sienna built the majestic flying arch,
21.35 metres in length, that connects the fortress’ ramparts
to the Chandelier Tower. It is interesting to note that to build
it, the whole structure was first built and then the hill underneath
it excavated.
Saint Augustine's Church
 St.
Augustine’s Church was built next to the older church of
St.Peter in the Field that had become small with the growth of
the New City and was therefore used as a convent. Started in 1299
it was finished in the first half of the 14th century. It consists
of one nave with 6 pointed arches leading to three beautiful apses:
a large one at the centre and two small ones at the sides. This
building unites the simplicity of its architecture in travertine
to a strong feeling of grandeur. Some very valuable oil paintings
on wood and on canvas are preserved inside this church and also
the relic of the vestment of St.Bernardino of Siena. St. Bernardino,
of the Albizzeschi’s family, was born in Massa.
The cloisters were started in 1410 and were part of the convent
of the Augustinian Monks.
Saint Francis’ Church
 As
we can see from a deliberation of the Town Hall of the year 1524,
this church was built by St.Francis himself in the year 1220.
It is located next to a convent that today is used as a Diocesan
Seminary and it is built in gothic style, typically Franciscan.
It was once of gigantic proportions, so much so that its only
nave reached nearly the city walls. Starting from 1319 it was
at various stages downsized.
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