Apuan Alps

The Apuan Alps (Italian: Alpi Apuane) are a mountain range in northern Tuscany, Italy, part of the Apennine Mountains. They are included between the valleys of the Serchio and Magra rivers, and, to north-west, the Garfagnana and Lunigiana. The name derives from that of the Apuani Ligures tribe who lived here in ancient times.

Geology and geography

The chain formed in the middle Triassic period, somewhat earlier than the rest of the Apennines, and on a rather different geological structure, formed by a sea landscape. Karst topography is widespread, as well as the marble rocks (including the world famous Carrara marble) for which the area is renowned.

The highest peak is the Monte Pisanino (1,946 m).