The best traffic-free bike rides in Massa-Carrara

The Palazzo Ducale is an important monument in Massa, located in Piazza Aranci. It was built in the mid-16th century according to the wishes of Prince Alberico I Cybo-Malaspina. Hence it is also called Palazzo Cybo-Malaspina. The impressive façade overlooking the square offers a color scheme of red and white (in the marble and stucco). Beyond the main entrance opens a large courtyard, surrounded by columns, staircases, loggias and marble portals. At the far end is a nymphaeum with a statue of Neptune riding the waves.

The modernised duomo, built entirely of marble, contains some fascinating works of art: a baptismal font, a Madonna by Pinturicchio on the altar, a 16th-century nativity scene, a 13th-century crucifix and, in a chapel in the basement, the tombs of the Malaspina family.

Built in 1690 to celebrate the birth of the Duchy of Massa by Duke Charles II Cybo-Malaspina, the Arco del Salvatore served as the entrance door to the now defunct Porta del Pino or San Francesco; it is a triumphal arch decorated with large cavernous limestone ashlars, four marble pillars, a memorial plaque and the statue of the Redeemer, from which it takes its name.

The Arco del Salvatore, also known as “Portone”, is a monumental gate located in the town of Massa. It is an “incorrect” gate, probably the replacement of an older gate, which, according to 17th century iconographies, was unusually placed outside the perimeter of the wall. It is located on the western edge of the city route, and its original function remains uncertain. The architecture of the gate is dominated by a “rustic” language, characterized by powerful projecting stones. Above the arch of the gate there is a marble coat of arms. The upper part is characterized by a thick pediment on which stands the statue of the Redeemer in the center, probably from a prestigious Carrara workshop from the end of the 17th century. On the sides there are four high pyramids, also made of white marble, as well as the large plaque commemorating the embellishment of the gate by Carlo II Cybo in 1690, probably with the addition of the aforementioned marble elements. There have been calls for the Arco del Salvatore to be cared for and enhanced. The constant exposure to traffic of Apuan marble and other stones has led to the formation of strong black spots and weeds that spoil the image. Today the ‘gate’ (as it is called by the inhabitants) is at the same time one of the many entrances to the city, but above all the main entrance for pilgrims following the Via Francigena.

The marble quarries are incredibly impressive. It's also cool to drive through the terrain in a jeep and see the quarries up close.

A bridge over the Frigido in Masse at the foot of the marble quarries. Massa is a beautiful town that is definitely worth visiting.

Massa, the "city of marble" preserves the memory of a glorious era… You see this everywhere in the old city: fountains, curbs, house sills, window frames are made of white marble. Marble is literally and figuratively the cornerstone of the community here. Almost everyone here lives from the proceeds of white gold. You see marble everywhere in Italy and almost all of that marble comes from the quarries of Massa. For centuries, artists and sculptors managed to find their perfect blocks here. Michelangelo was a regular in this area. He personally came to select 'his' marble blocks. Know that in this region around Massa - Carrara there are about 300 marble quarries, most of which are still being exploded. We start our discovery in the religious heart of the city. Like accomplished seminarians, we stride past 18th-century palazzi and white-paved marble squares. Triggered by history, we hoped to reach our climax at Castello Malaspina. Unfortunately, due to closure, we return to square one hungry... Chiesa di San Sebastiano is certainly worth mentioning. Contemporary murals tell Biblical stories and can be understood in all languages. Spiritually satisfied and dazzled by splendor and splendor, our Mass story ends in the Chiesa di San Sebastiano.

Massa Cathedral; Cattedrale dei Santi Pietro e Francesco is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Massa, Tuscany, central Italy. It is dedicated to Saints Peter and Francis. Formerly a monastery church, it was declared the episcopal see of the Diocese of Massa Carrara when it was founded in 1822 and is now the seat of the Bishop of Massa Carrara-Pontremoli. Source: Wikipedia