Massa ends up on the New York Times' list of places to visit

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The Tuscan city of Massa is ranked 17th on the New York Times' list of the 52 most interesting places to visit in 2024, thanks in part to the Uffizi Diffusi initiative.

Among the 52 goals in the ranking, Massa is placed 17th

THEthe New York Times has just published, like every year, the List of the 52 most interesting places to see in the world. And so we discover that among the destinations recommended in 2024, considering culture, art and natural beauty, 17th place a completely Tuscan destination emerges, Massa Carrara, in the context of the initiative Widespread Offices.

Ingrid K. Williams of the NYT recommends Massa in the context of the Uffizi Diffusi initiative, but not only

“In an attempt to reduce the crowds that fill the Uffizi Gallery in Florence – writes Ingrid K. Williams – the renowned museum has transferred some of its masterpieces to lesser-known places throughout Tuscany. As part of the latest initiative of the ever-expanding program known as Widespread Offices, a collection of works, including paintings from the studio of the Italian Baroque painter Carlo Dolci, will be exhibited this spring in the city of Massa, at the Ducal Palace, which also houses the government offices of the province of Massa-Carrara, in north-western Tuscany”.

“Art lovers – continues Ingrid K. Williams – they can also explore the surrounding Apuan Alps from which the marble for many masterpieces was extracted, including the Michelangelo's David, visit the marble quarries and maybe meet a sculptor carving on the side of the road.”

Uffizi Diffusi transports works from the Florentine museum to Tuscany

For about three years the Uffizi Galleries promote the initiative Widespread Offices, whose main objective is transport museum works to the Tuscan territory, but not only, especially through a series of temporary exhibitions where works from the Uffizi are combined with pieces from the host territories. This is why the occasion of the stop in Massa was the inspiration for the prestigious New York Times to recommend a visit to Tuscany to their readers.

For further information: Massa, between marble, beaches, history, and the love of great poets

Which three places in the world made the top three? Find out here.

At the top of the coveted ranking is the North America: “From the beaches of Mazatlán, Mexico, to the rugged coves of Maberly, Newfoundland, on April 8th the sky will be the stage for thetotal solar eclipse which will cross North America. “This year – we read on the NYT website – there Moon will be near its closest point to Earth, resulting in a unusually wide band and in a long-lasting totality. Mexico, Canada, and 13 U.S. states they will greet the darkness with celebrations”. In second place is Paris: “Already one of the most visited cities in the world, Paris is preparing to welcome millions of travellers this summer as it hosts the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic GamesIt will be the biggest sporting event in the city's history, and to celebrate the occasion many famous monuments will be transformed into sports and entertainment venues”. On the third step of the podium is a city in Japan, Yamaguchi, commonly called “the Kyoto of the West”.

What to see in Massa in one day

The Malaspina Castle

Definitely not to be missed is the imposing Malaspina Castle, the most important building in the city, clearly visible even from a distance. Fortress, built between the 15th and 16th centuries, stands on a rocky spur perched in the district of Massa VecchiaToday the castle displays a city walls enriched by bastions and renovations that took place during the 15th century. Frescoes and marble decorations adorn the complex.

The Cybo-Malaspina Ducal Palace and the Diocesan Museum

Even the Cybo-Malaspina Ducal Palace, built in 1557 at the behest of Alberico I Cybo Malaspina, and also known as Red Palace, is not to be missed. Of great architectural effect – eighteenth-century, dark red in colour, with windows decorated with white marble stucco – it overlooks the Orange Square, so called because of the characteristic rows of orange trees that surround it on three sides, dominating its aesthetics.

Interesting the Diocesan Museum built at the end of the sixteenth century by Alberico I Cybo Malaspina. The museum houses notable works, including the Triptych by the painter Bernardino del Castelletto, The Cathedral Treasury and works of James of the Oak.

The Cathedral of Massa

Another absolute must is the beautiful Cathedral of Massa, entirely in marble, with a structure with a single central nave and three side altars, which houses, among other works, a Madonna by Pinturicchio.

Where to sleep and eat in and around Massa? TuscanyPeople's recommendations

Accommodation facilities:

The Bottaccio (in Montignoso, a sophisticated hotel housed in a bright 18th-century building within a lush estate); Hotel Villa Tiziana (in Marina di Massa, it is surrounded by a large garden with a swimming pool); Star of Versilia (in Ronchi, an exclusive hotel on the Apuan coast with a spa and swimming pool); Hotel Villa Maremonti (charming maison de charme overlooking the Versilia sea, within a majestic pine forest); Zamparina Estate (tranquility and luxury overlooking the sea, among the greenery of the Mediterranean hills).

Catering:

La Capinera Inn (typical, historic tavern, a destination for artists and gourmets, with an intimate and convivial atmosphere); La Peniche Restaurant (in Marina di Massa, very interesting, inspired by the barges of the Parisian Seine, fresh fish but also grilled heifer and Florentine steak); From Riccà (in Marina di Massa, a true institution, a refined venue with an excellent open kitchen, and a wine list to match); Il Trillo Restaurant (a beautiful house on the hills of Massa with a splendid lemon grove and magnificent panoramic views, while the local cuisine reinterprets tradition with a hint of modernity); Venanzio Restaurant (in Carrara, a selection of mushrooms, truffles, meat, game, fresh pasta, and the legendary Colonnata lard in various variations).

For further information: …lard from what??? Colonnata lard!

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Cover photo Megan Andrews on Unsplash

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