Torre del Candeliere

After it was established, the Free City of Massa intended to strengthen its authority and enlarge the urban area. As a sign of this, the city built the massive Torre del Candeliere, or Torre dell’Orologio, which stands 24 m (72 ft.) tall and has sides 11,50 (33 ft.) long.
In 1335 the people of Siena conquered Massa Marittima and built their fortress from Monteregio to the City Walls, thus dividing the city into two parts in order to better dominate it.
After entering Massa as conquerors, the Sienese destroyed the tower almost completely, then rebuilt it smaller by one third, and added to it an imposing arch called Arco Senese, a magnificent war construction meant as a sign of dominion on the conquered city that still aspired to rise up and rebel against Siena.
The arch has 21,35 m (64 ft.) span, and was provided with a walkway that connected the Torre dei Massetani to the majestic Fortezza Senese, a great work of military engineering.
There are two double rings of travertine walls beginning from the city walls, decorated with small Guelphic arches on both sides.
The side walls has turrets, fortifications and bastions. The fortress project was made by the Sienese architect Agnolo di Ventura, who was also one of the designers of the Cathedral Bell tower of Siena.
In 1431 the tower was completed with a bell, which in turn was replaced in 1760 with the one still extant today, weighing 140 kg (about 390 pounds). The clock was put on the tower as early as 1443.
A visit to this monument offers a breathtaking view on the town, the surrounding plains and the sea.