Piazza Aranci

Piazza Aranci is Massa's principal civic square, named for its orange trees. The Ducal Palace, central obelisk and marble lions give the space an architectural and sculptural focus.

Why it matters

The square's enlargement formed part of the Napoleonic-era transformation of Massa. Removal of the church of San Pietro changed the relationship between the palace and the open space before it, turning a long-established religious site into a different civic setting.

What to notice

Orange trees frame three sides of the square. The obelisk and fountains belong to the nineteenth century, with four lions by Giovanni Isola added later. The palace's red-plastered facade and white marble detailing create a contrasting backdrop. Beneath the square lie remains associated with the earlier church and cemetery.

Context and history

San Pietro was rebuilt after its collapse in 1671, with work in 1697–1701. Its demolition was decided under Felice and Elisa Baciocchi in 1807, enlarging the space known as Piazza Grande. Orange planting gave rise to the later name. The obelisk and fountains were installed in 1853, and the lions followed in 1870, adding new civic monuments to the redesigned square.