We established our base camp in Sestri Levante and settled into an 8-night vacation rental in the city center. On previous trips to this area we saw the white mountains that surround the town of Carrara and made a note to add it one day to one of our itineraries … today is the day!
Tunnels and caves in the hills of Carrara, Italy
The drive from Sestri lasted less than 2 hours and when we arrived in the city of Carrara we were surprised by the quiet mining town located at the base of the steep line of sawtooth ridges that led to a mountain range and disappeared into the clouds.
As a tourist, we expected stores that sold finished goods, custom-made polished marble slabs, and a miniature statue or two on display for that impulsive purchase. The actual mines were miles away, in these steep mountains and the route was clearly marked by road signs … all pointing upwards.
The roads leading to the quarries were semi-paved and compacted earth without signs of the direction of traffic: is it a two-way or a one-way road? This was not a real concern until we turned a corner and came face to face with giant trucks hauling huge chunks of white marble … it caught our attention very quickly!
We eventually discovered the system; there is a main road up that continues down, all with a one-way traffic pattern … except near the actual mines and construction areas. You have to figure it out … cross your fingers and just drive.
Marble has been used for thousands of years and over time mining tools evolved from “primitive” hand tools to high speed diamond stone cutting tools and tungsten carbide steel band saw blades … But all the methods are still time consuming and expensive.
Carrara marble is a kind of later material and for centuries the source of world-famous sculptures such as the David of Florence. In 1501, Michelangelo (Buonarroti) received a damaged block of Carrara marble and created the magnificent Statue of David some three years later. For more information on Michelangelo, visit the “Michelangelo Gallery” website.
Driving in the mine area has its moments
We had to literally “feel” our way along the unmarked semi-paved roads and had to deal with numerous narrow tunnels along the route to get back down the marble mountain.
We made our way back to Sestri and actually washed our road warrior SUV covered in dirt and marble dust from the Carrara mines.
After all, what’s the rush … be inspired.
© 2016 Inspired Travel Itineraries with Bob and Janice Kollar