The most unusual characteristic of Canelli is also the least visible: the so-called Underground Cathedrals, “Cattedrali Sotterranee”.

There are but scant traces in the historical records of its origins, and the date of its construction is a matter of debate: some maintain that it dates back to the thirteenth century, while others assert that the tower was erected in 1350 and the rest some time later. In fact, it is probable that the imposing tower was the original nucleus of the complex, and the other structures were then added around it.

In 1619, a group of Cistercian monks travel up the ancient Salt Road and decide to erect a monastery on the ruins of a chapel built a century before their arrival.

The marble quarries of Carrara, universally recognized as yielding one of the finest quality marbles in the world, are a unique and not to be missed sight. In fact, the world's largest marble deposit is thought to be that in these mountains north of Carrara, which are part of the Alpi Apuane mountain chain.