Excursions in the surrounding areas
CARRARA (5 km)
Carrara has ever been the World
Marble Capital. Carrara and the surrounding area are indeed
dotted with several workshops of marble.
To visit: the Cathedral (always open), the Academy
of Fine Art, the Marble
Museum and Nicoli Sculpture Studios, the oldest marble sculpture
studios in Carrara.
MARBLE QUARRIES
The most famous marble in the world is to be found in the
mountains surrounding Carrara. Vast white spots blot the mountain peaks
and, during the winter, can easily be mistaken for snow!
COLONNATA (10km)
It is a village of marble quarrymen in the marble field of the
Apuan Alps, above Carrara. Colonnata is famous worldwide for its
marble and for the "Lardo" (white bacon). On
the road that takes you to Colonnata there are a number of marble
souvenir shops among which the 'Monfroni' shop.
LUNI (10 km)
To visit: the National
Archaeological Museum with visits to the archaeological
excavation sites of the antique Roman town. Open from Monday through
to Sunday.
NICOLA (15 km)
Picturesque village of perfectly preserved medieval origins,
Nicola was part of the possessions of the bishops of Luni-accounts
and has a beautiful location on top of a hill. In addition to the
gateway to the village of the fourteenth or fifteenth century, are
still intact other portals of the late medieval and Renaissance.
MASSA (8 km)
The core of Massa is Piazza Aranci named after the orange
trees that border the square on three sides. On the remaining side
there is the impressive Duke's Palace (Palazzo Ducale, also known as
the "red palace" because of its flame red facade) which was built in
1550. Its spacious inner courtyard is beautiful.
Malaspina Castle is situated just a few minutes walk above the town.
PIETRASANTA (10 km)
The historical centre of Pietrasanta, with its smart Cathedral
Square, is one of the most charming centres in Versilia.
Pietrasanta, as a centre for the working of marble and the art of
sculpting, has been since immemorial time the meeting place of
artists and sculptors, from the Age of Michelangelo to Henry Moore
and Botero.
FORTE DEI MARMI (10 km)
Forte dei Marmi is loved by Italians and
Foreigners for its beaches, numerous restaurants and the nightlife.
VIAREGGIO (20 km)
Along the promenade several are the 'bars', shops and
restaurants available to tourists both in summer and winter.
Thanks to its numerous palaces in the Liberty Style this town,
famous not only as a seaside resort, but also the floats parade held
during Carnival time (February/March), acquires a special appeal.
TORRE DEL LAGO (25 km)
A short distance south of Viareggio and reachable along the
impressive Viale dei Tigli, Torre del Lago is a quiet seaside town
known chiefly for being the home of Giacomo Puccini who for years
owned and lived in a villa here.
In summer, during the Puccini
Festival, the famous operas of the Master are put on. Visits
to the home of Giacomo Puccini, today a museum.
SERAVEZZA (la
Grotta del Vento)
Situated in the centre of the Apuan Alps' Natural Park, this
is one of the most complete European caves, presenting an
extraordinary variety of phenomena which are outlined with
competence and precision by expert speleological guides. Visits on
request. Photographies by Stefano
Pucci.
Information on transportation and itineraries at USEFUL LINKS.
