Carrara Marble Quarries

Marble quarries located at the top of the mountains form the background of the town of Carrara. This is where the famous marble has been excavated since Roman times. Due to the way in which the marble is taken, the large spaces, the symmetrical precision of the excavations and the shape of the worktops, the mountains have been transformed into spectacular terraced amphitheaters.​

Marble quarries located at the top of the mountains form the background of the town of Carrara. This is where the famous marble has been excavated since Roman times. Due to the way in which the marble is taken, the large spaces, the symmetrical precision of the excavations and the shape of the worktops, the mountains have been transformed into spectacular terraced amphitheaters. Seen from above, with the view over the sea, they boast a spectacular beauty.

The tradition of marble quarrying in the spectacular setting of the Apuan Alps is very ancient, probably started during the Iron Age by the Ligurian People, as witnessed by the necropolis of Cafaggio in Ameglia, close to Luna. This site dates back to the 4th century BC and has white marble deposits and rudimentary cover cases composed of recycled materials; including among them, marble fragments. The mining activity was developed by the Romans, especially under Julius Caesar (48-44 BC). The most ancient quarries were located in the basins of Torano and Colonnata, of which not much remains since the mining activity that continued over centuries caused their progressive destruction. The export and trading took place through the port of Luni, which is the reason why white marble, in archeology, is often called "Luni Marble".