Touring the Marble Mines of Cararra, Italy
When a local Italian home goods manufacturer approached me to collaborate, I was pretty thrilled. I was even more excited when I saw that they made all of their products using Cararra marble. The marble mountains of Cararra are located about 30 minutes from La Fortezza. I pass them all the time and marvel at the glow of the distinctive white marble cavities that have been carved out of the massive mountain range for centuries.
The idea that these enormous craters were carved and transported by hand is mind-blowing. Of course, over the years the cutting, collecting, and transporting of marble blocks has been modernized. Still, it is hard work, and the miners are in danger and take great risks to this day. The FiammettaV Home Collection is impressive. But honestly, when I drove to their location, right under the marble mountains where their materials are mined, I was even more impressed. One thing that I cannot get over is my proximity to amazing experiences. I think sometimes the Italians take for granted the amazingness around them. I guess when your office is at the bottom of a marble mountain with the most incredible view, that's just normal, right? But for me, I am always in shock and awe and frankly pure glee.
Seriously always pitching myself.
Mattia, the PR director for FiammettaV casually suggested that we take a look at the mines where their product materials are mined. I was like, "Sure why not?!" I never expected to be driven literally into the mine. I have never seen anything like it. I have toured the mines before, but this was VIP access, and I was speechless. Which if you know me, takes a lot.
Our driver Michael was amazing, The ride to the top of the mine was treacherous, and the switchbacks were precarious. Some of the steep angles made me laugh; they were so ridiculously dangerous. Not to mention the giant trucks hauling hundreds of tons of marble down the mountain. We had to pull over several times to let them pass. As you can imagine, it's hard for the loaded trucks to stop once they start their downhill descent. Let's say it was the most insane ride at an amusement park you can imagine. Once we reached the top, the giant carving machines were in full action. It was so vast that the full Starwars sized vehicles looked like a child's toy from our vantage point. Some of it was hard to comprehend. At one point we had a view of the mountain and a view of the sea. It was like a dream.
Watching the giant marble slabs fall as they were pried from the mine walls was amazing and unreal. The sound alone shook the ground as the block toppled to the ground. The walls look like art installations, and even the giant blocks look like they belong in a museum. I have always loved marble and marble products. FiammettaV made the experience very special. I will keep you posted on our collaboration. I can not stress enough if you're in the area, make sure you tour the mines. Head to my site to the free day activities page to book your tour. Grazie mille FiammettaV for the very very special experience.
xx Annette