Explore
The Colonnata Basin sits higher in the Apuan Alps than any other Carrara marble valley.
This area combines industrial marble extraction with deep local traditions. High-altitude unpaved roads lead past massive open-pit operations like the Gioia Quarry.
Steep roads here carry heavy mining trucks. A guided 4x4 tour is the safest way to reach the upper viewpoints. Afterward, you can stop in the historic quarrymen's village to try Lardo di Colonnata IGP.
1 hourHistoric village
This historic village sits high in the Apuan Alps. It was originally built to house the local quarrymen. Today, it is famous for Lardo di Colonnata IGP, a local cured meat aged in marble vats. Plan to stop at a local shop to taste this regional specialty.
30 minutesOpen-pit terraces
Gioia is one of the largest open-pit marble quarries in the Carrara basins. It features massive terraced cuts into the white mountain rock. Join an organized 4x4 tour to reach the highest observation points safely.
