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Outside the Centre of Carrara, Tuscany

Civic Marble Museum of Carrara
Built in 1982 on the initiative of the Municipal Authorities of Carrara, this museum contains artefacts and documents on the marble culture. It is organized in six indoor sections while outside there is an area with an interdisciplinary approach, that gives the visitor a detailed and charming view of the local heritage: “ Roman archaeology and history of the territory” with precious historical finds from the quarries, the richest “Marbleteque” in Italy, “Industrial Archaeology” with machines and instruments for extracting and working marble from Roman times to today; “ Technical Applications” with examples of art design, the “Plaster casts” and reproduction of marble icons for the substitutive restoration of works and “Modern Sculpture” with precious works in marble, bronze, wood and other materials.
Info: v.le XX Settembre, loc. Stadio, Carrara.
Museum, tel. e fax 0585 845746

Marina di Carrara
It is along the sea and it is 7 Km far from the centre of Carrara. Modern and dynamic, rich of pine woods and green area it is the typical tourist location that offers bathing establishments.

Moneta: the “Borgo” and the Castle (11th century)
The first mention of the existence of Moneta dates back to 1035. It was part of a complex system of defence controlling the valley of the Carrione torrent. When these functions were no longer necessary, the site was abandoned by its inhabitants who took up residence in the town of Fossola, below. The building fell into ruin at the beginning of the nineteenth century. From the ruins of the 16th century church, the chiesa di san Giovanni, a gate leads to the heart of the fortified town: a path runs alongside what remains of the towers, the walls and the bastions. At the moment the Rocca is being renovated. This fortress ha san impressive keep and a defensive wall protected by a moat.

Avenza: Torre di Castruccio Castracani (14th century)
The town of Avenza is mentioned in documents as far back as the eleventh century, but it may be even older. The strategic locations on the communication routes favoured the development of the stronghold. This is the context of the construction of the defensive works under the supervision of Castruccio Castracani at the beginning of the 14th century. Perhaps this famous condottiere used pre-existing structures to enlarge the building, but certainly the present tower dates back to this period.

Towns in the hills Around Carrara, Tuscany:
Bedizzano
It was the summer residence of Prince Alberico Cybo. It is a town characterized by seigneurial buildings, city walls and many Majesties.

Castelpoggio
Traces of a medieval village have still remained.

Colonnata
Characterized by the Chiesa di S. Bartolomeo and by the houses’ marble portals, the town is well-known for the traditional food shops, that produce the famous Colonnata Lard.

Torano
With its particular urban structure, with the elegant Chiesa di S. Maria Assunta, it was visited by Michelangelo and Donatello, who came here to buy marble for their works.

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