Culture

At various times, famous personalities have lived in these places contributing to the cultural life of villages, mainly inhabited by farmers and fishermen. Michelangelo often used to come to Carrara, Dante Alighieri was guest in several castles of Lunigiana, Byron and Shelley lived and gave their name to the Gulf of Poets.

Our mountains have always been a meeting place for writers and sculptors.

Artisans specialised in sculpture, besides making copies of works of art of famous artists, hand down their experience and techniques to young sculptors.

The Nicoli workshop is one of the most specialized sculpting studios.

Schools of sculpture, the Biennale Internazionale (International Biennial Sculpture Exhibition), the Fine Art Academy  and the International "Bancarella" Prize have become a steady attraction, and not only for tourists!

Versilia, in the 20's and 30's, was host to all the major creators of works of art in the Liberty style and many traces are still visible.

In Volterra at Villa Palagione you can take part in courses such as: Italian language, cultural treasures of Tuscany, painting, alabaster, music, riding, Tuscan cuisine...

Beside documenting the past, the Museum of Natural History in Aulla and the Botanical Gardens, which are to be found both in the park of the Apuan Alps and the Appenines, detail and illustrate the environmental aspects of the Mediterranean coast with caves, springs and aquariums.