A First-Hand Look at The Quarries of Carrara

A First-Hand Look at The Quarries of Carrara

May 11, 2017


The tour began in Colonnata, one of the highest vantage points to see the quarries. 

Designer Sarah Burgett-L. from Hutker Architects, Inc. recently toured some of the most famous and breathtaking quarries in the world during her visit to Carrara, Italy. She shared these amazing photos of her experience as she learned about both ancient and modern methods of marble excavation. We’d like to share them with you to give you a first-hand look at the mesmerizing visual experience of visiting these renowned Italian quarries. 

A sculpture in Colonnata.

Long considered the pinnacle of marble perfection, Carrara marble has been used since the time of Ancient Rome. Some of the most famous buildings and sculptures in the world use marble quarried at Carrara, such as The Pantheon and Michelangelo’s David sculpture, just to name a few. The Apuan Alps above Carrara show evidence of at least 650 quarry sites, proving that the Carrara quarries have produced more marble than any other place on earth. 
 Beautiful marble outcroppings in Colonnata.

Burgett’s first visit was to Colonnata, a small village in the middle of Colonnata Basin where the most important quarries are Bianco Gioia and Campanili. The highest peaks of this mountain range rise to 1,947 m. above sea level and at the very top, one can even take in a breathtaking view of the sea. The quarries can be found in the 1,500 to 1,600 m. range. 
 Map of the region. 
 
 The shop of a sculptor in Fantiscritti area

Burgett made another stop in Fantiscritti, where she saw Carrara CD and Carrara Extra being quarried. 
 Massive marble blocks will soon be turned into beautiful flooring, countertops, tile, or sculpture. 


Marble peeking out of the mountainside around Fantiscritti. 
 
Astounding views in Campo Cecina. 
 
The tour also visited the Lorano quarry in the Torano Basin, in the village of Torano, as well as the quarries of Calacatta and Statuario, between Torano and Miseglia Basins. 
 
 A sculpture in Campo Cecina on the top of the mountain
 
Burgett says that visiting the quarries in person was a visual experience she’ll never forget. At each location, the scenery was dominated by the brightness of the area’s “white gold,” with outcrops everywhere around you. 
A sculpture in the Avenza area, in a roundabout on the way between Carrara and Marina di Carrara. 

Thinking that Carrara marble might be ideal for your project? Don’t worry. You don’t have to travel all the way to Italy to check it out in person. We have an abundant stock of Carrara and other Italian marbles in our two New England area showrooms. Give us a call at 877-39-STONE
 

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