Carrara's Historic Marble Quarries

Carrara, Italy, has marble quarries dating back to Roman times. Famous for its high-quality white and blue-grey marble, the region supplied marble for iconic landmarks such as the Pantheon and Michelangelo’s David.

Michelangelo personally chose marble blocks from Carrara for his sculptures. He believed that Carrara marble had a unique luminosity and workability, making it ideal for his masterpieces.

Today's extraction techniques in Carrara are highly advanced. Diamond wire saws and CNC machines are used to ensure precise cuts and minimal waste, preserving the quarries for future generations.

Marble extraction in Carrara faces environmental challenges. Efforts are underway to reduce dust, manage waste, and rehabilitate quarries to balance economic benefits with ecological sustainability.

Carrara marble is formed from limestone subjected to high temperatures and pressures. Its fine grain and purity result from unique geological conditions, making it one of the world's most sought-after marbles.

Some Renaissance artists used marble dust from Carrara quarries as a pigment in their paints, giving their works a unique texture and luminosity.