Villages & Castles
Colonnata: the village of lard and marble
Colonnata is a small village in the Apuan Alps, famous for two things: lardo di Colonnata and the marble quarries. About 50 minutes from Camporaghena.
What it is and why go
Colonnata is a village of quarry workers and lard makers, perched in the Apuan Alps above Carrara. The white marble mountains surround it on all sides. The village is famous for lardo di Colonnata, a cured pork fat aged in marble basins, recognised as a PGI product.
You visit Colonnata for the lard, the marble landscape and the atmosphere of a mountain village that lives on two ancient trades. You can visit a lard cellar, taste lard and other local products, and walk among the marble quarries.
What to expect
- Lardo di Colonnata PGI — tasting and purchase
- Marble quarries and a unique landscape
- Stone village, authentic atmosphere
- Lard cellars open to visitors
- Restaurants and shops
Practical information
- Distance from Camporaghena: about 50 minutes by car
- Duration: half a day
- Cost: free (tastings and purchases extra)
- Parking: available (paid)
- Accessibility: village on a slope with steps — not wheelchair accessible
- Dogs: allowed
- Season: all year round
- Google Maps: Colonnata MS
Who it's for and who it's not
Colonnata is for you if:
- You want to taste the authentic lardo di Colonnata
- You're interested in the marble and quarry landscape
- You enjoy food and wine experiences
Colonnata is NOT for you if:
- You don't eat pork or cured meats
- You have difficulty walking (village on a slope)
- You want to stay close to Camporaghena (50 minutes by car)