Hi, I’m Gianluca.
I studied cultural anthropology, and I’ve always been fascinated by the different ways people live, move, and experience a place.
Rome is not only my city – it’s the environment I love observing, understanding, and sharing through these small stories.
Together with my wife Connie, we host travellers in our small hotel near the Vatican, where we enjoy meeting people from all over the world and exchanging perspectives – just as I do here in the blog.
If you ever feel like saying hello while exploring Rome, you’ll find us on our terrace as well, where every morning we serve breakfast with a view.
Gianluca
Walking through the streets of Rome, one of the first things you’ll notice is the distinctive paving stones that line the historic roads. These small, square stones, known as sampietrini, are an integral part of the city’s identity. But where do they come from, how are they laid, and what makes them such a beloved—and sometimes challenging—feature of Roman life?
The History of Sampietrini
The story of sampietrini dates back to Ancient Rome, but their modern usage began in the 16th century under Pope Sixtus V. He commissioned the first major project to pave the city’s streets with small stones to improve transportation and reduce dust. The name “sampietrini” is derived from St. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro), as these stones were first used extensively there during the 17th century.
Each stone is typically made from volcanic basalt, sourced from the nearby volcanic regions of Lazio. This choice of material gives the sampietrini their distinctive dark color, durability, and ability to withstand both hot Roman summers and the cooler, wetter winters.
Why Use Sampietrini?
The sampietrini are prized for their practicality and aesthetic appeal. Their small size makes them easy to adjust, which allows the streets of Rome to handle the city’s uneven terrain and changes in elevation. Unlike asphalt, sampietrini can also shift slightly, making them more resistant to ground movement and flooding.
Moreover, their appearance adds a historic charm to Rome’s streets, linking the modern city to its past. The irregular texture of these stones, shimmering in the sunlight, creates a unique visual effect that no other pavement material can replicate.
The Process of Laying Sampietrini
Laying sampietrini is an artisanal process that has been passed down through generations. Skilled workers, called sampietrinai, are responsible for carefully placing each stone by hand. The process begins by preparing the ground with a layer of sand or gravel, followed by the precise placement of each stone. Using a mallet, the sampietrinai tap the stones into place, ensuring they sit tightly together. Finally, a layer of sand is spread over the top and brushed into the gaps to stabilize the stones.
This labor-intensive process requires both physical strength and patience, and it’s a testament to the craftsmanship that Rome’s cobblestone streets have endured for centuries.
The Pros and Cons of Sampietrini
While sampietrini are loved by many for their beauty and historical significance, they come with their fair share of challenges:
Advantages:
- Durability: These stones can last for hundreds of years and are highly resistant to wear and tear.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Sampietrini provide a classic, timeless look that complements Rome’s ancient architecture.
- Adaptability: They can be rearranged easily when underground utilities need to be repaired, reducing the need for major construction.
Disadvantages:
- Slipperiness: When wet, sampietrini can become very slippery, making them hazardous for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Noise: The uneven surface can create a noisy environment when cars and motorbikes drive over them.
- Maintenance: Sampietrini require constant maintenance and can loosen over time, leading to uneven surfaces and potential tripping hazards.
Curiosities and Anecdotes
- Symbol of Power: In the Baroque period, using basalt stones for paving was considered a symbol of power and grandeur, with Pope Sixtus V keen to give the city an orderly, majestic appearance.
- Resistance Movement: During the Roman Republic Revolt of 1849, citizens used sampietrini to barricade the streets and fend off invaders, turning these small stones into symbols of resistance.
- Artistic Symbol: Sampietrini have also found their way into the world of art and literature, symbolizing the eternal, unchanging essence of Rome despite its constant evolution.
Modern Use and Preservation
Today, Rome’s sampietrini remain a beloved part of the city’s landscape, though there are discussions about replacing them in high-traffic areas with more practical materials like asphalt. However, the historic center and smaller streets will continue to use sampietrini to preserve the city’s unique character.
For guests staying at QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast, a stroll through the cobblestone streets of Rome is an invitation to step back in time, feeling the weight of history beneath your feet.
