Vacations on the trail of marble: an unusual journey through the hidden beauties of Italy

Venturing on a journey to discover Italy's marble might seem like an unusual endeavor, but for enthusiasts in the field, it's a truly fascinating experience. Marble, central to art and architecture for millennia, has many tales to tell – and we at Marmi Vrech are here to help you discover them. Set aside the typical monument and art visits, and get ready to meet surprising and unexpected places.

Carrara stands as the symbol of Italian marble and and cannot be missed on a journey that explores the universe of marble.

Here, at the Fantiscritti Quarry, the landscape is sculpted by man, in a dance between nature and technique that has been going on for centuries. And the most fascinating thing? This is the very area from which Michelangelo personally selected marble blocks for his sculptures!

A short distance away we find another masterpiece: the Ravaccione Quarry. This scenario, which recalls a lunar landscape, houses enormous rooms carved into the rock, with 24,000 cubic meters of emptiness that create the solemn atmosphere of a true Cathedral of marble in which the sense of time and proportions is lost. It's the perfect spot to take breathtaking photographs that will capture your experience forever. The grandeur of this site will leave you speechless, you will only say an excited "Wow!".

The most picturesque itinerary in Carrara's marble quarries is on foot: the trekking experience in the Apuan Alps is an unforgettable experience of 4 or 5 hours immersed in extraordinary landscapes. The circular loop that includes the Marble Path and the Quarrymen's Path passes through Colonnata where - to refresh yourself during the hike - you can taste the famous Colonnata IGP lard, aged in a basin, of course of marble!

If you're not into walking but still feel adventurous, you can explore the marble quarries with a Jeep tour. An expert guide will drive you in a 4x4 through the intricate road network weaving through active quarries, offering a panoramic view. You can book here or here.

A unique and unforgettable experience awaits you at Cava Valsora, deep within the heart of the Apuan Alps. It's more than just a quarry; it's a site so enchanting it can detain visitors for hours, lost in the play of light on the streaked marble walls and shimmering water reflections. Encircled by three tall black-striped marble walls lies a greenish pond: a natural amphitheater that leaves one agape! This bio-lake is a sanctuary of biodiversity, home to the Apuan Alpine Newt (easily spotted as they are numerous!), while its bottom conceals the incredibly rare Chara algae, a plant species dating back to 500 million years ago. Clearly, it's an ideal setting for stunning photo shoots.

And a little further on, in Levigliani, we find the attractions system of Corchia Park to fully experience Monte Corchia. To escape the summer heat, you can visit the spectacular Antro del Corchia cave or the Piastraio marble quarry, or even taste a fresh hypogean wine aged in a cave while gazing out from a panoramic terrace overlooking the sea at an altitude of 1300 meters above sea level.

Not far away we find Pietrasanta, a small town globally renowned for its marble sculpture ateliers. Often dubbed "Little Athens", this town brims with artists and craftsmen employing both ancient and modern marble techniques. It's not unusual to spot artists at work in their workshops, transforming marble blocks into breathtaking sculptures.

Heading north, we reach Verona. While it's well-known for its opera, the evocative Roman Arena, and the love story of Romeo and Juliet, there is an aspect that is often underestimated: Verona is a true open-air museum for marble lovers. This charming city is made unique by the use of Rosso Verona, a uniquely colored marble ranging from pink to red, which masterfully adorns buildings and squares. So, as you walk through the streets of this romantic city, remember to look up and admire the wonders of the marble that Verona has to offer.

If your passion for marble leads you to immerse yourself in its grandeur even during your meals, there's a place just for you: the restaurant La Vecia Priara in Villabalzana. This eatery is nestled in the Berici Hills, just a few kilometers from Vicenza, and is surrounded by the captivating quarries of the region. But the real gem of La Vecia Priara is the opportunity, during the summer season, to dine directly inside an ancient and cool stone quarry that lends its name to the establishment.

In the heart of the Negrar di Valpolicella Valley, a true hidden treasure emerges: the Prun Quarries. This is a labyrinth of chambers and corridors carved by the skilled hands of master quarrymen who, beginning in the 13th century, shaped the hill into a magnificent stone cathedral. Today, the silence and grandeur of these quarries evoke images of ancient rock-cut architectures, offering an enchanting experience.

For those seeking cultural delights, we highlight a world-class artistic experience, quite literally carved into the heart of Val d'Ossola. Tones Teatro Natura transforms the former industrial site of Cava Roncino into a poetic stage nestled in nature, hosting within its stone walls concerts by major classical orchestras, dance and theatre performances, and lively electronic music sessions.

We couldn't conclude without mentioning other quarries that have been transformed into hubs of art and culture. The Cava del Sole in Matera and the Cava Moschini in Ornavasso, for instance, host cultural events and concerts. These quarries stand not just as monuments of the extractive industry, but also as gathering places for artistic expression.

We hope these destinations inspire you to take the road less traveled and explore the beauty of marble in a different light.

From Marmi Vrech, we wish you a wonderful holiday, hoping that you can discover – just as we have – the art, history, and stories hidden behind every block of marble.

Have a nice trip!