Sources of Abundance in Massa Marittima

Massa Marittima's Fonti dell'Abbondanza (Sources of Abundance) had a strategic role for the city: they were the only springs within the city walls for water supply, also used as a storehouse for grain collection, in the upper part of the building constructed in the 15th century. What is striking is not their impressive structure, but rather the special decoration dating back to 1265, the year of construction and a rare testimony of 13th-century wall painting.

Indeed, on the large back wall is the famous and highly original fresco of the Tree of Fertility. The work is an allegory of abundance, a propitiatory hymn to life, depicting a large tree from which hang, like huge fruits, dozens of phalluses. The fruits appear to be contested by fluttering birds and numerous women at the foot of the tree on what appears to be a day of celebration.