Massa

(Redirected from Massa di Carrara)

Massa is a town and "comune" in Tuscany, Italy, in the centre of province of Massa-Carrara. It is in the northern part of the Tuscany region.

Massa-panorama dalle alture1.jpg
Flag of Massa
Coat of arms of Massa
Massa within the province of Massa and Carrara
Massa within the province of Massa and Carrara
CountryItaly
RegionTuscany
ProvinceMassa and Carrara (MS)
Frazionisee list
Government
 • MayorFrancesco Persiani (Centre-right)
Area
 • Total94.1 km2 (36.3 sq mi)
Elevation
65 m (213 ft)
Population
 (30 September 2017)[1]
 • Total68,946
 • Density732.7/km2 (1,897.7/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
54100
Patron saintSt. Francis of Assisi
Saint dayOctober 4
WebsiteOfficial website

Location

Massa is near the sea, and has a population of approximately 69,000 inhabitants, distributed in five areas.

Tourism

The Massa area has a high number of touristists, and it's famous for concentration of some 600 industrial and craft activities where are working about 7,000 people. Together with the twin town of Carrara, Massa is worldwide known for the extraction and production of marble.

History

From the 15th to the 19th century, Massa was the capital of the independent Principate (later Duchy) of Massa and Carrara, controlled and ruled by the Malaspina and Cybo-Malaspina families.

In 1829, the city was handed by the Austrian Este family. In 1859, during the unification of Italy process, it joined the Kingdom of Sardinia.

Important monuments

Massa's attractions include:

  • The Malaspina Castle (15th century)
  • The Renaissance Ducal Palace, on the Piazza Aranci
  • The Cathedral.

References

  1. Population data from Istat