Searching for Michelangelo

Carrara marble - a modern expression of the unsculpted David and Pieta stand boldly on the coast below the mountains and quarry from which they were mined. Known for the pure white marble, it was sought after by Michelangelo and other master sculptors. Our first day on the Via Francigena. After climbing over one mountain, we opted for the coast route instead of unnecessarily climbing over a second mountain. Cycling along the Lungomare, one could not see the beach or sea for of the miles and miles of “Bagni”. The Bagni are establishments that “rent’ a section of the beach and offer covered parking, restrooms, showers, a beach umbrella and chair all neatly lined up on the sand facing the sea. Occasionally there is a narrow alley between the Bagni, to access the “free beach”. Also, every town has a piazza that extends to a municipal pier, so one can glimpse the beach and sea without paying…and perhaps even toss a fishing line over the side. The beach area is relatively new construction.. The oldest structures are Liberty Style villas, the Italian variant of Art Nouveau dating from 1890-1914. The one pictured is a personal favorite. The Liberty villas along the Lungomare are posh private homes or hotels.