Length of Tour: 3 hours
Famous for its legendary quarries, dating back to Roman times, the ‘marbleous’ town of Carrara has marble everywhere. However, the marble quarries are the main tourist attraction.
You will meet the local guide at the Carrara checkpoint. If you are traveling as a group by bus, there is a tax to be paid to access the quarry road.
You will proceed along the quarry road which leads to the three main Carrara marble basins: Torano, Fantiscritti, and Colonnata. As you ascend, you will note numerous specialized companies and workshops which work tons of marble daily. It is possible to stop and visit one of the workshops.
Crossing the central basin called Miseglia – Fantiscritti, you will reach a large square. From here, you can admire an immense natural amphitheater carved out of the marble.
Here, we will visit the small open-air museum. Your guide will explain how excavation techniques have evolved since the Roman era. You can also take time to admire the breathtaking view to the sea, surrounded by the whiteness of the marble and take photos.
We get back onto the road and just a few minutes away, we reach the basin of Colonnata. Colonnata is a fortified village renowned for its delicious IGP Lard. This extraordinary product is closely tied to marble: it is aged in white marble vats. As we continue to ascend, you can also observe the vertical pit quarry of La Piana.
Upon request, we can arrange a stop to sample the Lard of Colonnata. Booking must be made at least two weeks in advance and various options are available. Please ask for a quote.
The quarry road is winding and steep but the scenery and the marble quarries are truly worth a visit.