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.

 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.

 References 

Category:Towns in Tuscany
Category:Capital cities in Italy
Category:Settlements in Massa-Carrara