Carrara (Italy)

Carrara is a port city located in Tuscany (Italy). It is best known worldwide for the high-quality marble quarried there. The city is located on Carrione River, at some 100 km (62 ml) west-northwest of Florence. Carrara has a total area of 71 km2 (27 ml2) and a population of around 63,400 inhabitants (2015 census).

Settlements in this area were known since the early 9th century BC. The town later originated from the borough built for the quarry workers. At the end of 19th century Carrara became Italy's cradle of anarchism, in particular among quarry workers. The quarry workers, including stone carvers, had radical beliefs which set them apart from others. Carrara is the birthplace of IFA (International Federation of Anarchists), formed in 1968.

The marble quarries were created by the Romans in the early 2nd century BC. Since that time, Carrara is associated with marble quarrying and carving. Marble blocks were exported from the Luni harbour at the mouth of Magra River.

Carrara marble was used for the construction of Rome's Pantheon and Trajan's Column. In addition to the quarries, Carrara also features a Fine Arts Academy and an antiquities museum. A marble technology fair is hosted here each year. Here is sculpted also marble imported from other quarries.

Among Carrara's best tourist attractions are:

• Duomo (Cathedral built in the 12th century)
• Ducal Palace (built in the 16th century), where today is housed the Fine Arts Academy
• Cybo-Malaspina Palace
• San Francesco Church (16th century)
• Santa Maria Assunta Church (15th century)

Carrara cruise terminal