The Accademia di Belle Arti resides in the Palazzo Cybo-Malaspina, a historic building in Carrara, which even incorporates part of the city’s ancient castle. It is best known for a relief known as the Fantiscritti Aedicula. Also on display are plaster models by the hand of Canova.
Accademia di Belle Arti Carrara
Useful information
Address: Via Roma, 1 – 54033 Carrara (tel. +39 058571658). It can be visited by request only. (Note that prices and times may be subject to change.)
History and description
The Accademia di Belle Arti of Carrara was founded in 1769. The building that serves as its seat was a donation from Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi. Previously, it was owned by the Cybo Malaspina family. It was originally built in the 15th century. It was later refurbished and incorporates the large tower of the city’s medieval castle.
In the 15th century courtyard are several statues and Roman border stones taken from the excavations at Luni and at the quarries.
What to see
Fantiscritti Aedicula
The highlight is the so-called Fantiscritti aedicula, a relief from Roman times found at the Cava dei Fantiscritti. It depicts the mythological figures Zeus, Hercules and Bacchus. Several artists, including Giambologna and Antonio Canova, left graffiti on the artwork.
Canova
The Gipsoteca also features a number of casts and plaster models made by Canova himself.