Apuane Alps/ Marble Slabs of Michelangelo

This was the first occasion that we had to see the Alps on this trip, and they were really impressive. The trip commenced with us all going to explore a vast cave system that went some 2000m deep into one of the mountains. Full of stalagmites and stalactites the caves also had a river system running through it that has slowly been evaporating over the last 60 or so years since its discovery. The really cool thing about this was to see the layered effect that the slow evaporation of water has had on the cave walls. After leaving the caves we explored a local mountain town and had an amazing meal prepared for us.

The Apuane Alps that we were exploring are most famously known for being the Alps where Michelangelo discovered the marble that he believed to be best suited for the sculptures he would create. Legend has it that he would go up to the rock beds feel them with his hands and then press his ear up to them. Something about the rocks that he was searching for would speak to him and those that did went on to become some of the most magnificent pieces of art the world has seen. The quarries continue to be the largest in the world and could easily supply just that. We had the fortunate opportunity to explore an abandoned one before returning to Lido.

(Above: The Entrance; Right: A small friend;

Below: Looking down at the massive cutouts of Marble)