Holiday apartment in Massarella: Culture, Nature and Local Traditions

Massarella combines church and remembrance culture with wetlands, regional cuisine and living traditions. The Pieve di Santa Maria in Massarella has been documented since 998 in a deed issued by Emperor Otto III. At the same time, Massarella lies between the Cerbaie, low hills overlooking the Padule. This important wetland is characterised by rare plant and flower species as well as migratory waterbirds.

Churches, Frescoes and Places of Remembrance

The present-day Pieve di Santa Maria in Massarella was built in 1639 by expanding the original Pieve, which dates back to pre-Romanesque times. The Chiesa di S. Maria a Massarella also contains a fresco cycle by Romano Stefanelli. It comprises the Crucifixion from 1983, the Nativity from 1996 and the Resurrection from 1998. The three works connect different stages of Christian imagery.

A memorial plaque for six civilians and one Carabiniere from Massarella is mounted on the outer wall of the Pieve di Santa Maria. The Parco della Rimembranza in Massarella is an extensive garden. Two rectangular iron plaques bear seven names; along a path, heart-shaped metal structures display the names of the deceased, and at the end there is a marble memorial plaque with a dedication.

Massarella's sacred features include the traditional Marginine. These are small tabernacles containing sacred images and sculptures, always decorated with fresh flowers. In Massarella, the Quantore rites for the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament continue to be observed and celebrated. Each year on 8 September, the patron saint, the Madonna of the Pieve di Santa Maria, is celebrated with a solemn procession through the streets of Massarella.

Holiday apartment in Massarella: Culture, Nature and Local Traditions

The Pieve, its frescoes and the memorial sites represent history and sacred art. The Padule and the Cerbaie shape the landscape, while the traditional marsh grasses demonstrate a special connection between the landscape and craftsmanship. Collecting these grasses remains one of the activities carried out in Massarella; from there, they are shipped throughout Italy for use in craftwork.

Local events include competitions and processions. The Palio dei Barchini is a competition featuring traditional boats from the marshlands. On the eve of the event, it is opened by a solemn procession of the Madonna in Barca. For several years now, the women's competition of the Palio has been held on a shorter, curve-free course. The Gran Premio Andrea Caciagli cycling race is also associated with Polisportiva Massarella; its organisation can be traced back over four decades.

Regional Cuisine with History

The local food culture is associated with the Sagra della Zuppa. The first Sagra della Zuppa took place in 1971. On this occasion, a zuppa with bread is served, a typical Tuscan dish made from simple, healthy ingredients from the region. These include fresh vegetables, cabbage, beans, good olive oil, salt, pepper and stale bread.

Getting There and Finding Your Way Around

By car, Massarella can be reached via the A11 Firenze–Pisa motorway, taking the Chiesina Uzzanese exit, or via the FI-PI-LI expressway, taking the San Miniato exit. Then follow the signs to Fucecchio and subsequently to Massarella.

For travelling by train, San Miniato Basso and Empoli are among the nearest railway stations. Both have a taxi service; San Miniato is additionally connected by shuttle bus services between the station and Fucecchio.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

More places for planning your trip: Polvereto, Rignano Sull'arno, Pelago, Florence, Il Castagno D'Andrea, Signa, Castelfiorentino, Ostina

To the higher-level travel overview: Florence.