La Torre del Candeliere, or The Candlestick Tower, was erected in 1228 as both a watchtower and a symbol of the independence of the town of Massa Marittima, which had just been liberated from the dominion of a Bishop-Prince at the time. It was originally even taller, but was later greatly altered under Sienese rule in the 14th century, changing their symbol of freedom forever and connecting it to their own Cassero Senese, or Sienese Fort.
To get there is a bit of a trek. Once you leave the Piazza Garibaldi, there is a side street that climbs a very steep hill. At the end of the hill, there is a wall and an archway, which marks your entrance into the Sienese section of the city. This is where the Sienese expanded the city's borders beyond the medieval fort built by the Pisans and this is where you will find the Torre del Candeliere and Sienese Fortress, both part of this newer section of the city.
To get there is a bit of a trek. Once you leave the Piazza Garibaldi, there is a side street that climbs a very steep hill. At the end of the hill, there is a wall and an archway, which marks your entrance into the Sienese section of the city. This is where the Sienese expanded the city's borders beyond the medieval fort built by the Pisans and this is where you will find the Torre del Candeliere and Sienese Fortress, both part of this newer section of the city.
Your climb doesn't end there, though, you'll need to next trek up the stairs to the top of the tower but, once you do, you'll see it was all worth it.
Visiting the tower allows you to walk over the great arch and along part of the walls of the Fort, from which you can take in a panoramic view out across the city, the surrounding typical (but particularly lovely) Tuscan countryside and, on a good, you can even see out and across to the sea and the island of Elba. It is a rather extraordinary sight and paints the perfect image of Tuscany that you have always been fed from tourist guides and movies.
Entrance costs a few euros, the rates changing depending on reduced rates, age etc and it is a bit of a trek but it is also one of the best views in the region and perfect for any Instagram feed or family photo.
Visiting the tower allows you to walk over the great arch and along part of the walls of the Fort, from which you can take in a panoramic view out across the city, the surrounding typical (but particularly lovely) Tuscan countryside and, on a good, you can even see out and across to the sea and the island of Elba. It is a rather extraordinary sight and paints the perfect image of Tuscany that you have always been fed from tourist guides and movies.
Entrance costs a few euros, the rates changing depending on reduced rates, age etc and it is a bit of a trek but it is also one of the best views in the region and perfect for any Instagram feed or family photo.
Just find a holiday rental in Massa Marittima and climb to the top, take in the fresh, the view and enjoy the best of what Tuscany has to offer.
