In a move that is likely to please motorists but possibly make Rome a harder city to walk, Rome will soon uproot its traditional square cobblestones from streets open to cars.
The stones, which Romans call ‘sampietrini’ will be saved and re-used to reline streets that are closed to traffic. While it will make for a smoother ride for the city’s cars and buses, the move may make life a bit harder for those who walk and especially those with wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
The blocks are made of basalt, an extremely hard and durable stone that has its origins in volcanic lava fields.
Photo: Alessio Damato/Wikimedia
