Colonnata Between Marble and Lardo

Colonnata brings together two defining themes: marble quarrying and lardo, whose production and culture are closely connected to the lives of quarry workers. There are also hiking trails leading to panoramic views of the Apuan Alps. These highlights give you a practical starting point for planning your trip: are you particularly interested in local food, the history of marble or trails through the mountain landscape?

Lardo and the History of Its Production

The geographical production area of Lardo di Colonnata is the area known as Colonnata. The hamlet belongs to the municipality of Carrara in the province of Massa-Carrara. In Colonnata, lardo is seasoned with aromatic herbs and then aged for six to ten months. Marble tubs rubbed with garlic are used for this purpose. These tubs are a tangible part of local production history: they date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.

The connection between lardo and marble is not limited to the material used for the aging tubs. The production and consumption of lardo, and the culture associated with it, have always been connected with the work and lives of quarry workers. If you are interested in local cuisine, you can therefore see Colonnata both as a place where a traditional production method is practiced and as a setting for a working culture.

You can also get an insight into the production process while you are there: Antica Larderia Mafalda offers a visit to its larderia in Colonnata, including a workshop tour and an explanation of the production processes. If you plan to visit, check the booking details before your trip.

Marble Quarrying from Roman Times to the Present

Colonnata’s origins date back to Roman times. A group of enslaved people settled there to quarry marble. In the hamlet of Fossacava, a large amphitheater-shaped quarry from that period has been preserved to this day. The Roman history of quarrying can thus be connected with a specific site and a surviving structure.

The Fossacava archaeological site is in the hamlet of Tarnone, on the road to Colonnata. QR-code panels and a 3D video support a virtual tour there, covering marble quarrying from Roman times to the present day. The presentation thus spans the period from the Roman origins to the continued importance of quarrying. For choosing what interests you, there is a clear distinction: Fossacava combines archaeological heritage with a virtual presentation, while a 4×4 tour also includes active quarries.

Toscana Tour Experience offers an approximately two-and-a-half-hour 4×4 tour of the marble quarries. The route includes the Colonnata quarrying area and allows visitors to see several active open-air and underground quarries. The approximate duration helps you plan how this outing fits into your schedule; the locations mentioned also distinguish between open-air and underground quarries.

Hiking Trails and the Landscape of the Apuan Alps

Hiking trails from Colonnata lead to panoramic views of the Apuan Alps. Hiking thus complements the exploration of marble and quarry history with another perspective on the surrounding area. Colonnata lies within the distinctive landscape of the Parco Regionale delle Alpi Apuane. The regional park protects landscapes and biological diversity of particular beauty and quality. If you plan your trip around a particular interest, culture and production, archaeological sites, active quarries and hiking trails are different themes to choose from.

A Long-Standing Festival Tradition

For many years, Colonnata held a Sagra del lardo in connection with the feast of Saint Bartholomew. It attracted numerous visitors and devotees from various parts of Italy and from abroad. The festival is therefore part of the longstanding connection between lardo and local culture. Together with the marble tubs and the history of production, it shows that lardo in Colonnata is not just a product, but also part of regional life.

Discover more destinations: Carrara, Fosdinovo, Fivizzano, Licciana-Nardi, Marina di Carrara, Comano, Pian di Molino, Filattiera.

For the broader travel overview: Massa-Carrara.