podestas

The podestas were the magistrates who, in the Middle Ages, led the Tuscan communes. In Maremma, you'll find them everywhere, but not as you might imagine. They left their mark on the architecture of the communal palaces, often the most beautiful buildings in the historic centres. When you visit a village like Massa Marittima or Pitigliano, these palaces, often adorned with coats of arms, tell you a story of power and prestige. It's not just old stone, it's the political and social heart of the medieval town that you have before your eyes. They give meaning to the urban layout you observe.