Cave di Fantiscritti, Marble quarry in Carrara, Italy
The Cave di Fantiscritti is a marble quarry carved into white mountains in the Apuan Alps, with a network of tunnels and galleries extending across multiple levels. The site sits at 630 meters elevation and includes both deep underground passages and open-air extraction areas.
A Roman bas-relief dating to the 3rd century AD, depicting three deities, gave this place its name and proves that marble extraction began in ancient times. The quarry has been worked continuously since then and remains an active operation today.
Local artisans continue to work with stone extracted here, shaping it into sculptures and architectural pieces that are shipped around the world.
You can explore the site on guided minibus tours into the deep galleries or join 4WD excursions through the open extraction areas, with most visits lasting around 40 minutes. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a light jacket, as the interior stays cool even in summer.
The site served as a filming location for the James Bond movie Quantum of Solace, with action scenes shot among the white marble walls. Despite this Hollywood spotlight, it remains a working extraction site rather than a museum or heritage venue.
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