Cathedral of San Cerbone

In the heart of the historic center of Massa Marittima, overlooking the central Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, stands a magnificent example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture: the Cathedral of San Cerbone. Dedicated to the city’s patron saint, San Cerbonio, the church is striking not only for its richly decorated façade but also for the numerous artistic details found inside.

The building, originally constructed in the Romanesque style, dates back to the 11th century. In 1287, the architect and sculptor Giovanni Pisano expanded the cathedral in the Gothic style, adding a third row of columns to the façade and giving the apse its current appearance. The slender bell tower, on the other hand, is Romanesque in style and clearly visible even from a distance, harmoniously completing the architectural complex.

Stunning interiors

The interior of the cathedral is just as impressive as the exterior. The layout follows the classic design of a three-nave basilica with an apse. Immediately to the left of the entrance is a 14th-century triptych depicting the Madonna Enthroned with the Child and Saints. Below it stands a Roman stone sarcophagus dating back to the 3rd century. Also in the left aisle, visitors can admire a monumental limestone baptismal font, created in 1267 by the sculptor Giroldo da Como and decorated with scenes from the life of St. John the Baptist.

Also not to be missed is the elegant marble high altar, dating from 1626, adorned with a polychrome wooden crucifix that replaces the original work by Giovanni Pisano, now housed in the Museum of San Pietro all’Orto.