Carrara, located in the Apuan Alps, in Tuscany, is famous for its quality marble rock, which has been used since the time of ancient Rome. Even then, the first blocks of marble were used to build monuments and statues. In antiquity, Carrara quarries were valued for their fine, pure white colour and quality. However, the fame of Carrara marble did not increase significantly until the Renaissance, when masters such as Michelangelo and Donatello began to use it. Michelangelo, for example, carved his famous statues from this marble, including the statue of David in Florence, which is considered one of the greatest works of art of all time. This monumental statue is over 5 metres high. It represents the biblical hero David just before his duel with Goliath. The statue originally stood in the Piazza della Signoria in front of the Palazzo Vecchio, but is now housed in the Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence.
The extraction of marble in the Carrara quarries is a demanding process that combines traditional techniques with modern technology. Traditional methods involve manual labour and the use of hammers and chisels, while modern techniques involve the use of diamond wire and hydraulic machines. In the past, mining was often dangerous, not only because of the physical demands of the work, but also because of the hazardous conditions in the quarries.
Today, safety standards are much stricter, helping to protect workers and minimise risks. Marble blocks are cut from the mountains using wires and special machines that are able to precisely cut and shape the blocks without damaging their structure. These blocks are then transported for further processing and are further cut and polished.
Carrara marble is still very highly valued and used in modern architecture and art. Because of its beauty and durability, it is popular for the production of sculptures, tiles and various architectural elements.
In addition to the famous statue of David, Carrara marble was used in the construction of the Duomo in Florence, the bell tower in Pisa, St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, the formerWorld Trade Center in New York, in the casinos of Las Vegas, and as the exterior cladding of Finlandia Hall in Helsinki and the Grande Arche de la Défense in Paris.
