Pietra Santa, Levigliani di Stazzema, Carrara and much more. A new itinerary across Versilia 

The famous artist Michelangelo moved to the Capitanato di Pietrasanta at the beginning of 1518 and resided there for two years to follow the quarry works for the building of the church of Santa Maria del Fiore, markedly contributing to shaping the landscape of this area. It was at this time in fact that the mountains in Versilia began to be used more and more as a source for the extraction of marble. Still today in the area of the Apuan Alps there are many sculpture and artisan workshops. So let’s set off on a tour along this marble itinerary following the footsteps of the famous Michelangelo. 

Pietra Santa and Forte dei Marmi

Pietra Santa is the main centre of marble processing in Versilia, with local companies exporting internationally. Here you will come across several shops selling handmade artisanal products and have the opportunity to visit the Museo dei bozzetti a museum home to a collection of drawings (bozzetti) by sculptors who worked in Versilia. Only a few minutes from Pietra Santa there is the busy Forte dei Marmi, a town that used to be a centre for the collection of marble destined to be exported all over the world. 

Welcoming you in Forte dei Marmi, a bustling town that won’t fail to please all the family, you will find UNAWAY Hotel Forte Dei Marmi, also ideal for business trips.

Levigliani di Stazzema

The second part of this itinerary is dedicated to Levigliani di Stazzema, a small village located in the upper part of Versilia and home to important active quarries, such as the “Tavolini” quarry that was first initiated back in the times of the Romans.

Carrara

Did you know that the name Carrara derives from the word “kar” which means “stone”? This city, an unmissable destination, has always enjoyed a strong connection with marble. One could say that Carrara Marble is not a marble, but the marble, a material with which all major sculptors have worked in its finest variety, which is quite adequately known as Statuario marble (statuary marble).

Querceta and Seravezza

The town of Querceta boasts many artistic marble workshops with an international clientele. From Querceta you can reach the white marble quarries of the Apuan Alps. Among them, most notable are the Monte Altissimo and Monte Corchia quarries.

In the nearby town of Seravezza we suggest a visit to the Museo del Lavoro e delle Tradizioni Popolari della Versilia Storica (Museum of Work and Popular Traditions of Versilia) showcasing a selection of antique examples of marble artifacts. Monte Altissimo was the quarry Michelangelo Buonarroti had chosen for the extraction of the marble destined for the facade of the church of San Lorenzo in Florence.

Your stay in Versilia

Versilia is where you can relax and enjoy fun family time, in the summer especially. So why not take the opportunity along this tour to dive into the atmosphere of one Italy’s most beautiful areas? Versilia Lido | UNA Esperienze an elegant hotel overlooking the sea, with its fine SPA and wellness centre, is ready to welcome you.