The city of Massa is on the south side of the river, 5 km (3 mi) from the Tyrrhenian Sea.

[4] The cathedral was to be staffed and administered by a corporation called the Chapter, consisting of an archpriest and twelve canons.

[8] The second bishop, Francesco Strani, held the first diocesan synod in the cathedral in Massa in September 1839.

The Vatican had no option but to change the name of the diocese of Massa to conform with civil requirements; this took place on 20 July 1939.

Peter the Apostle and Francis of Assisi in Massa (still called Apuania) was granted the title and privileges of a minor basilica by Pope Paul VI.