Tuscan Summer School
Tuscan Summer School in Massa Marittima
The beautiful medieval hill town of Massa Marittima in the heart of the Maremma area of Tuscany is the setting each year for the British Institute of Florence summer school. Considered as a gem of the Middle Ages for its beauty and the significance of the buildings, this well-preserved hill town is historical for being a free commune in the 13th Century.
Surrounded by dense luxuriant woods, with ancient fortresses, churches and castles, many dating back to the Middle Ages, Massa Marittima is only twenty minutes from the Tuscan coast. It is within easy reach of many places of interest, including the ruined Cistercian abbey at San Galgano and the Maremma nature park, and it is little more than an hour from the historic city of Siena.
The Institute's Summer School offers a complete immersion into Italian language and culture. Every weekday morning there are intensive Italian language classes at different levels. Whatever their level, participants are encouraged to communicate in Italian from the very first day. The experienced team of Italian language teachers uses an interactive method aimed at developing confidence in the spoken language and broadening knowledge of day-to-day Italian life.
In addition every day there will be an opportunity to experience more about all things Italian. Participants will learn about and taste Tuscan wines and local food delicacies. This year we are including classes in the art of making home-made pasta and the production of olive oil which will include an olive oil tasting.
We are also arranging a visit to the ancient seaside town of nearby Castiglione della Pescaia.
Our Summer School is timed to coincide with Massa Marittima's famous open-air opera festival, which takes place in the Piazza Garibaldi, a tour de force of medieval city planning. This year we shall enjoy Puccini's Tosca and Donizetti's Don Pasquale performed against a backdrop of the magnificent Cathedral, one of the finest religious buildings in Tuscany.
The Balestra del Girafalco takes place on the 2nd Sunday in August each year and will provide a spectacular introduction to the second week of the Summer School. This famous competition is a historical re-enactment with 150 participants in historical costumes, representing the three districts into which Massa Marittima is divided. The contest consists of a crossbow competition with eight archers from each district each seeking to pierce the heart of the "corniolo", the heart of the gerfalcon, the bird of prey that symbolically represents the enemy.
We will also be joining the locals to celebrate San Lorenzo's feast day on August 10th with Calici di Stelle - the night of falling stars and take part in the traditional nighttime wine festival in the streets of Massa Marittima and sample locally produced wines and olive oils.
The classes are held at Massa's old seminary building right at the top of the hill with beautiful views over the surrounding countryside.
Some comments from last year's students
"A wonderful two weeks. Fantastico! Will definitely be coming back" - Charmian U.K.
"I wish you all the best in order that others can have such an experience too" Joseph U.S.A.
"Wonderful course. The teaching was excellent. I certainly want to come again and next time I'll write this in Italian" - Lorna U.K.
"The quality of the course itself and the teaching exceeded my expectations. Very many thanks to the British Institute." Hilary U.K.
"This class is far more than I expected - from the minute we arrived it was full of fun, energy and serious learning. I will hold this experience in my heart and memory always." Maria U.S.A.
Accommodation at the Seminary
Rooms at the Seminary are usually available one or two days before the start of the Summer School. Places at the Seminary are limited and we recommend that you let us know as soon as possible if you wish to reserve a room there. The seminary serves lunch and dinner which can be booked on a daily basis.
Price including breakfast:
Double: 60.00 Euro
Double as single: 45.00 Euro
How to get to Massa Marittima
From Pisa
The nearest airport is Pisa. From there take the train, taxi or bus to Pisa Centrale Station (about 10 minutes taxi ride from the airport). From Pisa Centrale take a train to Follonica which is the nearest station to Massa Marittima. Trains run regularly to Follonica from Pisa Centrale on the Pisa-Rome line and the journey takes approximately 1½ hours. From Follonica Station there is a connecting bus service to Massa Marittima.
From Florence
Take the train from Santa Maria Novella station to Follonica, you may need to change at Pisa Centrale or Livorno Centrale and follow directions above.
From Rome
Take the train to Follonica and follow directions above.
Full travel information, including bus and train timetables, will be sent to you shortly before the summer school begins. Please note that Massa Marittima should not be confused with the city of Massa, which is near Carrara.