The enduring legacy of ancient Rome's travertine quarries: a tale of timeless craftsmanship and architectural marvels
TIVOLI, Italy (AP) -- In the heart of Tivoli, Italy, lies a secret that has shaped the grandeur of ancient Rome and continues to inspire modern architecture worldwide. Once upon a time, when the Romans embarked on grand construction projects, they ventured to the nearby quarries, where they unearthed blocks of a unique, porous rock known as lapis tiburtinus, now celebrated as travertine. This travertine was not just a building material; it was the essence of Roman ingenuity and craftsmanship.
The Colosseum, St. Peter's Basilica, and Bernini's iconic colonnade are testaments to the power of travertine. But its influence extends far beyond Rome's borders. Today, the same quarries that supplied the building blocks for Rome's iconic landmarks are now bustling with activity, carving new generations of churches, temples, and mosques globally. From banks to museums, government buildings to private homes, travertine's versatility knows no bounds.
What sets Roman travertine apart is its underground quarrying in sulfuric springs and basins around Tivoli. Over hundreds of thousands of years, calcium carbonate minerals, including calcium, sulfur, and other minerals, formed this sedimentary limestone. The result is a stone that bears the marks of the region's volcanic past, forests, and even fossils, creating a unique, striated pattern.
Architects worldwide are drawn to travertine for its strength, abundance, and resilience against the elements. Its appearance varies, from rough to sleek, with colors ranging from warm white to sandy beige, adorned with gray, brown, or greenish veins. This versatility allows travertine to adapt to diverse architectural styles.
For four generations, the Mariotti Carlo SpA stonecutting firm has been the guardian of travertine's legacy. They have carved travertine to order, fulfilling some of the world's most distinctive architectural commissions, including the Getty Center in Los Angeles, the Bank of China headquarters in Beijing, and the Great Mosque in Algiers, Algeria. Their craftsmanship is on full display at the Latter-day Saint temple in New York City, where they meticulously carved travertine blocks into puzzle pieces, ready for on-site assembly.
The story of travertine's enduring appeal is intertwined with the life of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the Baroque sculptor and architect. Bernini's love for travertine led him to reside near the Degemar quarries, where he sourced the brilliant white travertine for his masterpieces. The quarry's current head, Vincenzo De Gennaro, preserves Bernini's legacy, sharing stories of the homing pigeons that once transported orders from Rome for measurements. Today, the quarry's reach extends globally, supplying travertine for projects like the new airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and the headquarters of China's governing party in Shenzhen.
But travertine's allure goes beyond its physical attributes. Marco Ferrero, a professor of civil engineering, emphasizes its connection to ancient Rome and the magic of the classical world. He describes travertine as a solid, resistant, and noble stone, a true embodiment of Roman spirit. Unlike marble, travertine's simplicity and traditional nature make it a genuine and timeless choice, much like Roman cuisine, which relies on simple, often overlooked ingredients.
As the sun sets over Tivoli, the quarries continue to echo with the sounds of chisels and hammers, a testament to the enduring craftsmanship that has shaped the world's architectural landscape. Travertine, with its ancient roots and modern applications, remains a symbol of timeless beauty and architectural excellence.
