CARRARA MARBLE

Historical and Geographical Origin

Carrara Marble has been extracted from the Carrara region of Italy in the Apuan Alps in Tuscany since Etruscan times. Known during the Roman Empire as ‘Marmor Lunense,’ after the ancient name of the site, Luna, this white or blue-gray marble is characterized by delicate veining. Italian stonemasons referred to it as ‘Bianco di Carrara.’ 

Aesthetic Qualities and Artistic Use

Carrara Marble is one of the world’s most famous white marbles, distinguished by its white or light gray tones with minimal veining or fine lines. Michelangelo, the renowned sculptor of the Italian Renaissance, used this marble for his masterpieces, including the statues of ‘David’, the ‘Pieta’, and ‘Moses’.

Traces of Carrara Marble in Istanbul

In Istanbul, Carrara Marble is most known as the material for the dome arches and spouts of the German Fountain, a monumental fountain constructed in the 19th century to commemorate the visit of Emperor Wilhelm II. It was also used for tabletops in palaces.

Contemporary Areas of Architectural Application

Today, Carrara Marble is employed in a wide range of contemporary applications. It is ideal for flooring, wall cladding, countertops, stairs, columns, sculptures, and other decorative details. In addition, it is featured in architectural elements such as grand staircases, decorative columns, and sculptural installations.