Forte dei Marmi came about as a port shipping the much-prized marble quarried from the Apuan Alps in this part of Italy. It was here that Michelangelo came in the 16th century, seeking the finest marble for his sculptures, and a road was driven to the coast to move the precious rock out ... so Forte dei Marmi was born.
But from the 19th century onward, it became more renowned as the fashionable seaside resort of choice on Tuscany's Versilian coast. With a restrained atmosphere and a mild climate, the well to do of Tuscany came to build their villas here and enjoy the sea air. There are excellent water sport facilities on Lake Massacicuccoli and on the sea. The Apuan Alps, to the back of the resort, have hiking, climbing and winter sports, meanwhile. The town itself has the remains of the old Forte dei Marmi, the Museum of Satire and Caricature (with year round exhibitions and festivals) and the Modern Art Gallery.
Head to the hills above the town, where a run of lovely medieval towns and villages, including Volegno and Levigliani provide superb views, unspoiled architecture and some quite superb restaurants. Also check out Carrara, amid olive groves at the foot of the Alps, quite lovely and a source of fine marble since Roman times. Forte dei Marmi itself is a chic and bustling little town, with art galleries, pavement cafes and boutiques selling the likes of Armani, Versace and Cavalli. There is a Wednesday market, based around the 18th century marble fortress (the 'Forte dei Marmi' itself). During the summer check out the nightly open-air theatre at Piazza Dante, with ballets, concerts and fairytales. Summer also sees solstice celebrations at Volegno, Cardoso, Stazzema, and there is the nearby Puccini Concert Festival and the Jazz'n Forte Festival. In August, celebrations include a firework display in honour of the town's Patron Saint, St Ermete.
To the left you'll find a selection of hotels, to get you in the mood
- see also our full listings of Forte dei Marmi hotels.
