This museum has a lot of things going for it. Not only is it housed in the beautifully serene Monastery of San Pietro all’Orto, but it also has a fantastic mix of exquisite and macabre religious art.

Massa Marittima has always wielded considerable religious power in the region. It was originally the seat of the medieval diocese and any religious institution here has never wanted for money and luxury, which is great for modern tourists!

The monastery itself was built in the 12th century and the frescoes on the walls throughout the various exhibitions were painted by the 14th century Sienese school. The museum itself also focuses on the 13th, 14th and 15th century – a period when Massa Marittima was at its wealthiest.

The exhibitions are spread across five rooms, which have actually been built within the old monastery. The first room is dedicated to 10 very rare and very beautiful medieval bas-reliefs in grey and black alabaster and taken from the Duomo of Massa Marittima. They depict, among other things, the 12 Apostles.

The second room is filled with Gothic Sienese-Pisan sculptures dating from the 13th and 14th centuries. The statues of the griffin, man and horse come from the exterior facade of the Duomo of Massa Marittima and were made by Giovanni Pisano. The 12 marble statues are of various saints and prophets and are by Gano di Fazio. You’ll also find a wooden crucifix by Giovanni Pisano, and some stomach-turning reliquaries in this room.

The next room mostly contains works by Amborgio Lorenzetti (1319-1347) – a very famous Sienese painter. Keep an eye out for his stunning gold masterpiece of the Madonna with Child, surrounded by angels, prophets, saints and apostles (pictured above). This is hands down the most beautiful and precious piece in the museum.

The second last room has paintings by Stefano di Giovanni, also known as the ‘Sassetta’ (1392-1450), while the final room is filled with silver goblets, precious items from the church’s vestry, sheet music and robes.

The religious art on display in this museum is some of the finest in the Maremma – it’s a definite must for anyone passionate about art history or the artists that defined Siena in the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries.

Address: Monastery of San Pietro All’Orto, Corso Diaz, Massa Marittima

Opening hours:

Nov-March: 11am-1pm and 3pm-5pm

March-Oct: 10am-1pm and 3pm-6pm

Closed Mondays

Entry price: €5 for adults