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Roman Sampietrini: Harmony Between Environment, Design, and Memory

Our cities can be sustainable without losing their soul.
The sampietrini are not only a symbol of Rome but also a tangible example of sustainable urban design, capable of combining environmental respect with historical value.

Sustainability and Environment – #WorldEnvironmentDay

Made of leucitite, a local volcanic rock quarried from the Alban Hills, sampietrini are natural, durable, and environmentally friendly.
Laid without cement—on sand or pozzolana—they allow the ground to breathe and rainwater to drain, supporting the urban hydrogeological balance.
They are long-lasting, easily recyclable, and reusable: a real example of circular economy applied to the city.

Historical Memory and Identity

Introduced in the 16th century, sampietrini are an integral part of Rome’s urban landscape. Today, they lie at the heart of a debate between preservation and innovation, but the “Piano Sampietrini” (Sampietrini Plan) seeks a balance: preserving their presence in historical areas while adapting materials elsewhere to meet modern needs.

The sampietrini represent an urban model that blends environment, beauty, and memory—an enduring legacy that encourages us to imagine more sustainable cities without losing touch with the past.