Marble Mountains and other Alpi Apuane, Italy Things to Do Tips

In the Apuan Alps the spectacular marble quarries offer an unusual sight. Here this precious white stone has been excavated since Roman times.
In the first half of the 16th century Michelagelo came frequently in Carrara to choose the stone for his masterpieces. Over the centuries since the marble of Carrara has been recognized as a precious stone for buildings and for its white and colour varieties

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This route across the Apuan Alps links Massa to Modena. It was built by the mathematician, engineer , abbot Domenico Vandelli between the 1738 and 1751, for the Duke of Modena , Francesco III d’Este, who wanted a safe way of linking his own territories to the Cybo Malaspina’s ones.A marriage alliance was made between the two territories.

A recent restoration of its stones makes it passable in a demanding day long walk, between Resceto ( Massa side) and Arnetola(Garfagnana side). We didn't hike all this route, just a small part of it...it was heavy going up those stony paths.

More info on trekking in this area can be found at ehe website below

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Website: http://www.alpiapuane.com/English/indexeng.htm

In Northern Lunigiana on the main road into Emilia is the relatively large town of Fivizzano. It has shops and facilities but it looked like a ghost town when we passed through...must have been siesta time and things began to liven up a little when the shops opened.
Its main claim to fame is its Mediaeval PIAZZA MEDICEA with its Florentine palazzi and large Medici fountain...which was emptied of water when we were there :-(

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The tiny village of Equi Terme, sitting at the foot of the towering Il Solio canyon, has a wonderful scenic backdrop of crags and peaks of the Apuan Alps. Its main attractions are a cave - LA BUCA - once inhabited by lions, leopards and Neolithic man - and a large swimming pool and thermal complex. Both were shut and being restored when we visited in May 2000 :-((....but it was a good place to stop for some lunch.

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