Massarella: History, Landscape and Living Tradition

Massarella combines a long ecclesiastical history with the landscape of the Cerbaie and the Padule wetland. This creates a destination where historical landmarks, religious customs, marshland and regional cuisine exist closely side by side.

Church, Art and Remembrance

The Pieve di Santa Maria in Massarella is documented as early as 998 in a deed issued by Emperor Otto III. The present-day Pieve di Santa Maria was built in 1639 by expanding the original pieve, which dates back to the pre-Romanesque period. The Chiesa di S. Maria a Massarella also contains a fresco cycle by Romano Stefanelli. It includes the Crucifixion from 1983, the Nativity from 1996 and the Resurrection from 1998. The town’s history also includes visible memorial sites. 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 is an expansive garden with two rectangular iron plaques bearing seven names. Along a path are heart-shaped metal structures displaying the names of the deceased; the path ends with a marble memorial plaque bearing a dedication.

Cerbaie, Padule and Local Particularities

Massarella lies between the Cerbaie, low hills overlooking the Padule. This important wetland is associated with rare plant and flower species as well as migratory waterfowl. Another distinctive feature of the area is the continued practice of collecting marsh grasses. From Massarella, these are shipped throughout Italy for use in handicrafts. The traditional Marginine also contribute to the character of the town. These are small wayside shrines containing sacred images and sculptures, which are always decorated with fresh flowers. The Quantore rites for the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament are also still observed and celebrated in Massarella.

Processions, Boats and Tuscan Cuisine

The patron saint, the Madonna of the Pieve di Santa Maria in Massarella, is celebrated every year on September 8 with a solemn procession through the streets of Massarella. The Palio dei Barchini is a competition featuring traditional boats from the marshlands. It opens on the eve of the event with a solemn procession of the Madonna in Barca. For several years now, the women’s Palio competition has been held over a shorter, curve-free course. Cuisine is also part of the local tradition. The first Sagra della Zuppa took place in 1971. The soup with bread served there is a typical Tuscan dish made from simple, healthy ingredients from the region: fresh vegetables, cabbage, beans, good olive oil, salt, pepper and stale bread. For those interested in sports, the Polisportiva Massarella has organized the Gran Premio Andrea Caciagli cycling race for forty years.

Getting to Massarella

By car, you can reach Massarella 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. The nearest railway stations are said to be San Miniato Basso and Empoli; both offer a taxi service, while San Miniato also has shuttle buses between the station and Fucecchio. Other places in the same area include Bassa, Incisa In Val D'arno, Tavarnelle Val Di Pesa, Figline Valdarno, Montefioralle, Marradi, Il Castagno D'Andrea and Montespertoli.

For the higher-level travel overview: Florence.