The territory of Massarosa

The territory of Massarosa has a great cultural and natural heritage: roman ruins, fortified villages, rests of castles and Romanesque churches are all part of a landscape crowned by the beauty of lake Massaciuccoli. The castles of Montramito, Loglia, Massarosa and Aquilata, scattered on the hills behind the village, defended the Versilia plain, while Gualdo, Pieve a Elici, Stiava and Mommio Castello stood there to meet the attacks of intruders. The castles belonged to local lords and were contended, in the Middle Ages, first by Pisa and Lucca and then by Florence, as these towns sought to expand their dominion. The control of the castles was the first step towards an occupation of the Versilia plain. Although they have nearly all been destroyed, a stroll through the villages perched on the hills can still offer breathtaking views.