Massa, Carrara, and Tuscan Lunigiana

<< Tuscany

The Province of Massa-Carrara is located at the northwestern corner of Tuscany. Both Massa and Carrara are historic towns with various intersting attractions. The mountainous northern part of the province is part of the historic region of Lunigiana, which also includes part of Liguria and takes its name from the ancient city of Luni.

Massa

Massa is a city in northwestern Tuscany and the capital of the Province of Massa-Carrara. The town was founded in ancient times, and lived its golden age as the capital of the Duchy of Massa and Principality of Carrara, that ruled over the surrounding area between the 15th and 19th century. The town was later annexed by the Duchy of Modena and Reggio before becoming part of Italy.

Massa Cathedral

Also known as: Cathedral of Santi Pietro e Francesco (Cattedrale dei Santi Pietro e Francesco)

The Massa Cathedral (Duomo di Massa) is the most important church in Massa. Founded in the 15th century, it was later expanded and rebuilt various times, most notably in the 17th century. The church features a decorated facade, a large marble altar, and various artworks.

Rocca Malaspina

The Rocca Malaspina is a large fortification located on a hill overlooking Massa. The castle was erected starting in the 11th century, and was later expanded and reworked. The fort housed for centuries the local lords, and it still has some decorations and ancient frescoes.

Carrara

Carrara is a city in northwestern Tuscany, known all over the world for its prestigious white marble. The marble quarries on the mountains around the city were created by the Romans, and made the town an important center for all its history. The city was ruled by various powers, and it eventually became part of the Duchy of Massa and Principality of Carrara, that ruled the surrounding area for centuries. The small state was annexed by the Duchy of Modena and Reggio in the 19th century, and later became part of Italy.

Marble Quarries of Carrara

The extraction of marble from the mountains around Carrara began during the Roman age, and continues to this day. Over the centuries, numerous artistic and architectural masterpieces have been made with the Carrara marble. Some of the historic quarries have now been turned into museum and can be visited, such as the Cava Museo Fantiscritti.

Civic Museum of the Carrara Marble

The Civic Museum of the Carrara Marble (Museo Civico del Marmo di Carrara) is a museum dedicated to the history of the marble quarries in the mountains around Carrara. The museum features exhibits on the local geology, and a collection of marble samples, archaeological finds, and historic pieces of industrial equipment.

Carrara Cathedral

The Carrara Cathedral (Duomo di Carrara) is the main church of Carrara, erected in Romanesque and Gothic style during the Late Middle Ages. The church features a decorated facade with an elaborate rose window. The interior is simple and houses a few artworks. The 16th-century fountain known as Fontana del Gigante is located next to the church.

Fosdinovo

Fosdinovo is a small town in the Province of Massa–Carrara, in the historic region of Lunigiana. The town was the capital of the small Marquisate of Fosdinovo between 1355 and 1797. Later it became part of the Duchy of Modena and Reggio and then Tuscany after the Italian unification.

Malaspina Castle of Fosdinovo

The Malaspina Castle is a medieval fortress located in Fosdinovo, which served as the residence of the local rulers for centuries. The imposing castle was built in the 11th century, and later expanded. Now it can visited and features various decorated halls.

Aulla

Aulla is a town in the historic region of Lunigiana and part of the Province of Massa-Carrara. The town has been inhabited since ancient times, and it was an important center along the Via Francigena.

Brunella Fortress

The Brunella Fortress (Fortezza della Brunella) is a historic castle located on a hill overlooking Aulla. The fort was built during the Renaissance, and it is still well preserved today. The castle features imposing walls and it houses a museum of natural history dedicated to the local environment of Lunigiana.

Pontremoli

Pontremoli is a town located among the hills of the Province of Massa-Carrara, in the historic region of Lunigiana. Originally inhabited by the Apuani, it was later a Roman town and an important center during the Middle Ages, thanks to its position along the Via Francigena. Over its history it was ruled by many different powers, before becoming part of Tuscany. Pontremoli is now a tourist destination, known for its cuisine.

Piagnaro Castle

The Piagnaro Castle is a medieval castle located on a hill overlooking Pontremoli. Originally built in the 11th century, it was reworked and rebuilt various times. Now restored, the castle houses an archaeological museum hosting numerous prehistoric statue menhirs found around the town.