Northern Maremma: a journey through art and archaeology

The Isidoro Falchi Civic Museum in Castiglione della Pescaia is an exhibition space of seven rooms arranged on two floors dedicated to Isidoro Falchi and his excavations: in fact, numerous artifacts coming from the necropolis and various archeological sites scattered throughout the territory of the Northern Maremma are on display. Various temporary exhibitions on archeological and historical-artistic themes are also hosted in the museum's halls each year.

The Museum of San Pietro all'Orto in Massa Marittima displays works dating back to the most characteristic historical-artistic period for the town: that is, from 1300 to 1400. The works on display come from the Cathedral as well as from various city churches and create a journey within the historical-artistic religious production of the area. Significant works present include: the wooden Crucifix, original sculptures by Giovanni Pisano, statues of the Apostles and Prophets by Gano di Fazio, the Crucifix by Pietro Lorenzetti, the Majesty by Ambrogio Lorenzetti painted on panel and an Announcing Angel by Stefano di Giovanni, known as Sassetta.

The Archeological Museum of Portus Scabris aims to disseminate scientific data related to the underwater archeological excavations conducted between 2000 and 2001, which uncovered numerous artifacts on the seabed of the Scarlino sea area. The artifacts present demonstrate strong maritime and mercantile activity in the area as early as the 3rd century B.C. All of the elements in the museum allow the visitor to reconstruct a fragment of Scarlino's history and its importance on a commercial and maritime level.

The Civic Art Gallery in Follonica includes permanent and temporary collections of contemporary art by painters from Follonica. Temporary exhibitions include works from different artistic genres: from painting to sculpture, through photography and installations. The museum conducts guided tours and educational workshops for schools, as well as organizing lectures, performances, concerts and meetings.

The Archaeological Museum is located in the striking Palazzo del Podestà, dating back to 1225 and overlooking the lively Piazza del Duomo of Massa Marittima. Its collection is split into sections, going in chronological order from the Lower Paleolithic to the Etruscan age. Notable prehistoric pieces include the Eneolithic statue-stele from Vado all’Arancio, the only one of its kind in the Maremma area.

The Etruscan artifacts hail mainly from excavations at the Accesa lake village and include kitchenware, loom weights, fishing sinkers and bricks. The collection likewise counts grave goods from the necropolis, with pottery such as figuline and bucchero clay pieces, as well as bronze buckles, iron pot stands plus bronze and iron weapons. On the ground floor, an educational section presents life-size reconstructions of Paleolithic and Eneolithic caves. The museum offers guided tours and educational activities, even organizing cultural events and film screenings.

The Sacred Art Museum of Buriano, which opened in 2017, offers a privileged look at sacred works from churches within the Buriano Parish. Prominent among the valuable exhibits are 18ᵗʰ-century ex-voto paintings commemorating the miracles of Saint William of Maleval, patron saint of the municipality, and Blessed Libertesca. Worthy of special attention is the 18ᵗʰ-century silver reliquary containing a bone of Saint William of Maleval molded in the shape of an arm. The collection then encompasses sacred jewelry artifacts, an 18ᵗʰ-century painting depicting the Eucharist, along with sacred vestments such as a 17ᵗʰ-century silk damask cope. Alongside rises the 12ᵗʰ-century Rocca, with imposing limestone ruins, originally a two-story fortified polygonal complex, strategically positioned on high ground.

The Documentation Center in Scarlino houses a rich display of archaeological artifacts, tracing the various eras of life in the Rocca di Scarlino area from the Bronze Age to the 17ᵗʰ century. The exhibition not only presents archaeological materials but also provides educational documentation on the main archaeological monuments and sites in the area. Among the most notable pieces, one stands out is the Scarlino treasure of 100 gold coins dating back to the 14ᵗʰ century, discovered in a vessel inside the wall of the Rocca rectory. The Center offers guided tours and educational workshops, both in its museum and in the adjacent archaeological area of the Rocca di Scarlino. As the last bastion of the castle-hamlet of Scarlino, the Rocca di Scarlino reveals not only the imposing castle structure, restored in the 15ᵗʰ century, but also the surrounding archaeological excavations. During the summer, the interior of the Rocca is transformed into a fascinating setting for musical and theatrical performances.