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Palazzo Ducale di Massa: A Renaissance Jewel

Explore the Palazzo Ducale di Massa, a stunning Renaissance palace with Baroque accents, rich history, and artistic treasures in Piazza Aranci.

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The Palazzo Ducale di Massa, also known as Palazzo Rosso, is a striking 16th-century palace located in Piazza Aranci. Built by Prince Alberico I Cybo-Malaspina, it showcases a blend of Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles. Today, it houses the provincial offices and the prefecture.

A brief summary to Palazzo Ducale di Massa

  • Piazza Aranci, 35, Massa, Province of Massa and Carrara, 54100, IT
  • +390585816252
  • Monday 8 am-1 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-1 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-1 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-1 pm
  • Friday 8 am-1 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-1 pm

Local tips

  • Visit Piazza Aranci to admire the palace's exterior and the surrounding orange trees.
  • Check local listings for cultural events or exhibitions that may be held within the Palazzo Ducale.
  • Explore the courtyard to see the Grottesco or Neptune's Cave.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Palazzo Ducale is located in Piazza Aranci, in the center of Massa, making it easily accessible on foot from most points in the city center. From the Massa Centro train station, it's approximately an 18-minute walk. Walk straight ahead from the station, following the main road into the city center. Piazza Aranci will be on your left.

  • Public Transport

    From Massa Centro train station, take a bus towards Viale Roma/Piazza Misericordia. The bus ride is approximately 3 minutes, and buses depart every 15 minutes. Get off at the Viale Roma/Piazza Misericordia stop, and the Palazzo Ducale will be a short walk away in Piazza Aranci. Bus tickets cost around €1-€2.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from the Massa Centro train station. The taxi ride to Palazzo Ducale in Piazza Aranci is approximately 3 minutes. The estimated cost is between €5 and €7. A taxi from Marina di Massa to Massa is approximately 6 minutes and will cost €9-€11.

  • Driving

    If driving, take the A15 highway and exit at Massa. Follow the signs towards the city center and Piazza Aranci. Limited street parking is available near the Palazzo Ducale. Parking options include Parcheggio Via Don Carlo Gnocchi and Parcheggio Via Modena. Parking costs vary, with some free options and paid parking available for around €1 per hour.

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Discover more about Palazzo Ducale di Massa

The Palazzo Ducale di Massa, a prominent landmark in Piazza Aranci, stands as a testament to the city's rich history and architectural evolution. Originally constructed in the mid-16th century by Prince Alberico I Cybo-Malaspina, the palace was intended to rival the grandeur of other Italian Renaissance principalities. Over the centuries, the Palazzo Ducale underwent numerous transformations, resulting in its distinctive appearance. The main facade, with its striking red and white color scheme achieved through the use of marble and stucco work, reflects the influence of Alessandro Bergamini, who was commissioned to harmonize the building's asymmetries. The palace's design incorporates elements of both Renaissance and Baroque styles, showcasing the changing tastes and artistic preferences of the ruling families. Inside, a large courtyard unfolds, adorned with columns, staircases, loggias, and marble portals. A notable feature is the Grottesco, or Neptune's Cave, housing a marble statue of Neptune riding the waves. The palace also features the Salone degli Svizzeri, the Salone della Resistenza, and the Salone degli Stucchi, each characterized by elegant Baroque decorations. The Ducal Chapel, adorned with frescoes by Carlo Pellegrini, and the Ducal Alcove, are also significant spaces within the palace. While some areas of the Palazzo Ducale are not accessible to the public due to their use as government offices, the palace remains a cultural landmark, hosting various cultural events and exhibitions. Its architecture and historical significance make it a must-see attraction for visitors to Massa.

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