Massa

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
Comune
Flag Coat of arms
Massa within the province of Massa and Carrara
Location of Massa
Massa Location of Massa in Italy Massa Massa (Tuscany)
Coordinates: 44°02′N 10°08′E
Country	Italy
Region	Tuscany
Province	Massa and Carrara (MS)
Frazioni	see list
Government
• Mayor	Francesco Persiani (Centre-right)
Area
• Total	94.1 km2 (36.3 sq mi)
Elevation	65 m (213 ft)
Population  (30 September 2017)
• Total	68,946
• Density	730/km2 (1,900/sq mi)
Demonym	Massesi
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code	54100
Dialing code	0585
Patron saint	St. Francis of Assisi
Saint day	October 4
Website	Official 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.