Carrara is a medium-sized city located in the northern part of Tuscany, right next to the border with Liguria. On one side, it is surrounded by the Ligurian Sea and on the other by the snow-white Apuan Alps.The impressive snow-capped mountain peaks rising above the city attract the attention of tourists visiting Carrara. However, it is not snow but quarry pits where marble is mined.
However, Carrara is not only about the Apuan Alps and the ubiquitous marble. It is also the eye-catching turquoise of the Ligurian Sea and numerous beaches. Here you will find mainly wild, rocky, but truly charming beaches. Less than 10 kilometers from Carrara, there is the seaside resort of Marina di Carrara, part of the city of Massa, which delights tourists with its wide, sandy beaches. While bathing in the sea, you can admire the “snow-capped” mountain peaks. The view is stunningly beautiful.
Apuan Alps
The Apuan Alps are known for the famous white marble named “white gold” , such as that of Carrara extracted since the Etruscan era, but also for the deep abysses and karst caves, such as the cave system of the Antro del Corchia that extends for 70 kilometers.
Quarries
The quarries in the city of Carrara are known throughout the world for the exceptional quality of their marble products. Carrara is mainly associated with Bianco Carrara marble, but several types of marble are mined in the vicinity of the city of Carrara. Carrara is known as the place where the largest quarries are located.
Bianco Carrara marble can be found in ancient sculptures, columns and some buildings, although perhaps the most famous is Michelangelo’s ‘David’ statue made of this stone. Currently, Bianco Carrara is most often used in interiors, where countertops, thresholds, tables, stairs and walls are made of Bianco Carrara.
Fantiscritti Quarry Museum
The Fantiscritti Quarry Museum in Carrara is an open-air museum created to present the lives of miners over the centuries. There are two routes inside the museum: an external route that leads to the highest point where marble is mined, at 1,000 m above sea level, and an underground route. Crossing the quarry gives you the opportunity to learn about key techniques and the historical and social dynamics behind the miners’ work. The workshop preserves several sculptures by Boutros Romein: life-size workers, a pair of cattle and tools used in everyday life in the quarry.
Marina di Carrara
- Marina di Carrara Beach
The beach of Marina di Carrara, about 3 km long and surrounded by the wonderful panorama of the Apuan Alps, is coloured with the many vibrant umbrellas and deckchairs provided by the well-equipped bathing establishments. Whereas promenade is a full of bars and restaurants, and large open spaces where shows and concerts are staged.
- Doride Beach
Doride Beach is a charming beach located a few meters from the sea, which gives you the opportunity to fulfill your dreams and get married barefoot on the sand, thanks to the unique atmosphere this day will be unforgettable. Surprise your other half and organize your wedding among the wonders of paradise.
- Bagno Artiglio
Bagno Artiglio di Carrara is a wonderful swimming area with direct views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The presence of a large parking lot with special spaces also for bicycles and motorcycles allows easy access to the factory by car. Thanks to the lack of architectural barriers, disabled people can easily reach the beautiful beach, which is vast, sandy, pleasantly quiet and well-equipped.
- Public Beach La Rotonda
It is one of the beaches in the Marinella di Sarzana estate, only 1.6 km from the center. Here you will find wonderful blue water and brown sand. Much of the beach is occupied by restricted access beach clubs. Beach facilities are available to resort visitors only. Their list includes, sun loungers and umbrellas, beach restaurant, fitting rooms, shower cabin, toilet. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, you can also participate in water sports.
Piazza Alberica
Piazza Alberica is Carrara’s largest and most frequently visited historic square. The square is surrounded by the buildings of Carrara’s famous and ancient noble families. The square, paved with marble pebbles forming ten large decorative panels, has a fountain with a bathtub and a marble lion in the center, topped by a large statue of Princess Marie Beatrice d’Este, which stands on a high pedestal decorated with bas-reliefs.
Palazzo Cucchiari
This beautiful palace, a 19th-century residence, stands in the center of the city. The palace houses the headquarters of the Giorgio Conti Foundation and, apart from being a magnificent building with rich decoration, is also a place of prestigious exhibitions. The Palace has five floors and 36 rooms with an area of 2,000 m². The building has been completely renovated to restore the appearance of other residences in Carrara, such as Villa Bertelli and Forte dei Marmi.
CARMI
The CARMI – Carrara and Michelangelo Museum in Villa Fabbricotti is located inside the historic building in the Padula Park in Carrara.
The museum complex is entirely dedicated to the figure of Michelangelo and his relationship with the city of Carrara and marble. These themes are developed in the six rooms on the noble floor. Reproductions of Moses and David are exhibited with holograms, videos, photographs, historical documents and prints.
Duomo di Sant’Andrea
The Cathedral of Carrara is a Roman Catholic church dedicated to Saint. Andrea. Most of the exterior and most of the interior is covered with local Carrara marble.
Civic Marble Museum
The Civic Museum of Carrara Marble is located in the heart of the city. The purpose of the Museum is to preserve and enhance the most used material in the history of art. The rich collection consists of tools for the extraction and processing of marble from Roman times to today and the archaeological finds found in the quarry. The Museum is divided into different sections that develop through the historical periods and the themes.
