Carrara Marble Tour: An Insight into the World of Marble

The famed marble of Carrara has been quarried since ancient Roman times, becoming a coveted material for sculptors, including the renowned Michelangelo. The Fantiscritti Marble Quarries offers a unique 50-minute 4×4 jeep tour that allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the quarries while savoring breathtaking views from a high vantage point.

When exploring the Carrara area of northern Tuscany, this remarkable tour should not be overlooked.

Inside the Marble Mines of Carrara

The Carrara Marble Tour presents a captivating adventure through the quarries, providing close-up views of the majestic marble cliffs and mines. At a higher elevation than typical accessible areas, visitors step out of the vehicle to enjoy a stunning panorama of the quarries, the town of Carrara, and the coast. This perspective is simply extraordinary.

Furthermore, your knowledgeable guide will share insights into the history and applications of marble, the various types of this beautiful stone, and the operational aspects of the quarries. Notably, you’ll encounter an active section of the mine and discover the location where several Aston Martins plummeted over the cliff during the filming of the James Bond film, Quantum of Solace.

This informative and visually appealing 50-minute tour runs daily from March to November, with a ticket price of 12 euros (as of 2019). For those seeking a more comprehensive experience, a 3-4 hour option is available, which includes pick-up and drop-off from a local hotel, a tour of the town of Carrara, and a delightful breakfast featuring local delicacies such as lardo di Colonnata (seasoned pork fat), priced at 65 euros per person.

Carrara Marble Tour Details

• Cave di Fantiscritti: Visit the official Carrara Marble Tour website for the latest hours and prices.
• Cost: The standard tour is 12 euros (as of 2019).
• Tour Duration: Each tour lasts 50 minutes and is available in Italian, English, or French.
• Weather Consideration: Please note that tours do not operate during inclement weather.
• Facilities: At the quarry’s parking area, you will find a museum, gift shop, restaurant, and restrooms. Additionally, mini-bus tours are available inside the mines during summer.
• Access: If you’re driving from Carrara, simply follow the signs for Cave and then Fantiscritti, passing through a few marble tunnels.

If you have a vehicle, you can explore some mining areas and visit the museum independently. However, opting for the tour is highly recommended to experience the quarries up close, as the views alone are worth it.

Sightseeing Near the Carrara Marble Quarries

Adjacent to the marble quarries lies the charming mining town of Colonnata, renowned for its production of lardo. This location offers several dining options, making it an ideal place to enjoy a meal.

Carrara is situated in the northern Tuscany region known as Versilia, which encompasses the principal towns of Carrara, Massa, and Pietrasanta, along with a stunning coastline featuring beautiful beaches and the coastal town of Viareggio, famous for its vibrant carnival parades.