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.
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 Flag  Coat of arms | |
.svg) Massa within the province of Massa and Carrara | |
| 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)[1] | |
| • Total | 68,946 |
| • Density | 732.7/km2 (1,897.7/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code | 54100 |
| 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.