Forget the typical tourist routes and come walk with me through Carrara, the “white heart” of Tuscany! I am proud and excited to host you in the most rebellious of all Tuscan provinces.
This marvellous town, with its narrow streets and hidden piazzas, will uncover an incredible history of rebellion and artâstories that rarely make it into the guidebooks. Between a coffee and a traditional quarrymanâs bite, you will discover how a single material has shaped everything here: the landscape, the economy, the culture, and even the way light falls on a summer afternoon.
A “Stairway to the Sky” awaits us as we leave the center behind to ascend the Scalinata Littorio. This controversial, monumental marble staircase, built during the Fascist period, offers a breathtaking “vertical” journey. Weâll stop at a contemporary marble fountain for photos before reaching the hilltop village of Codena, once a vital link between the city and the high quarries. There, Carraraâs white heart will unveil itself in all its beauty!
đş Off the bus đ and into History
Stepping into downtown Carrara, you will immediately feel its unique, independent spirit, admiring the white marble that clads the façades and paves our way.
đ Our first stop will be a historic cafĂŠ of Via Roma, once the cityâs social heart, to meet a true Carrara Iconâa local who will share shades and hints of Carraraâs anarchist soulâthe defiant, free-thinking nature of the people who have lived here for centuries.
âď¸ The Skyward Path
đ Next target: the Scalinata Littorio, a monumental (easy-to-climb) staircase of 542 marble steps; a path that winds its way up through terraced terrain, revealing step by step breathtaking views of the city of marble and its Tyrrhenian coast. Weâll pause at the Taponecco fountainâa beautiful piece of contemporary sculptureâbefore reaching the hilltop village of Codena.
Highlights:
đ Panoramic views,
đ the Taponecco fountain,
đ the marble village of Codena,
đ contemporary marble art
đ shades of Carraraâs anarchist spirit
âď¸ Good to know:
Activity Level:Â Moderate-High (542 steps). It's a steady climb, but we take it at a "lady's pace" with plenty of stops for stories!
