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Stories in stone
A Journey Through Rome’s Timeless Legacy
Discover the hidden histories, legends, and fascinating origins carved into Rome’s travertine stones. “Stone Stories” unearths the tales behind Rome’s landmarks, the enduring allure of travertine, and the ways these ancient stones continue to shape the city’s identity today. Journey with us to understand the timeless heritage beneath your feet.
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The first month used to be March. Why is January 1st the First Day of the Year?
Celebrating the start of the year on January 1st might seem natural to us now, but this date has a fascinating backstory rooted in Roman tradition, religious adaptation, and cultural evolution. How did this day become the global marker for a new beginning? Let’s uncover the historical layers behind our calendar’s first day. The Roman…
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How Did January 6th Become “La Befana” in Italy?
January 6th is a day steeped in tradition across Italy, celebrated as “La Befana,” a holiday blending Christian and folkloric roots. This unique festivity, marked by the visit of an old woman bearing gifts, has become an enduring symbol of Italian culture. How did this curious celebration come to be? Let’s unravel its fascinating story.…
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How Did December 25th Become Christmas Day?
The celebration of Christmas on December 25th is a tradition that intertwines historical events, theological reasoning, and cultural adaptation. While the exact date of Jesus Christ’s birth remains unknown, the selection of December 25th as the day to commemorate this event has evolved over centuries. Early Christian Celebrations In the initial centuries following Christ’s death,…
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Why Do All Roads Lead to Rome?
The phrase “All roads lead to Rome” is rooted in both literal historical fact and symbolic meaning. This expression has endured for centuries as a testament to the engineering prowess of the Roman Empire and the city’s central role in ancient civilization. Let’s delve into why this saying resonates and what made it possible. The…
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Why Was the Basilica of Saint Paul Built Outside the Walls of Rome?
Saint Paul Outside the Walls is not just an architectural wonder; its location also tells a compelling story deeply rooted in Roman history and early Christianity. This basilica, one of the four major papal churches in Rome, owes its name and placement to its historical significance and the traditions surrounding Saint Paul himself. Why “Outside…
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The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls and Its Connection to Travertine
The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls is one of Rome’s most majestic and historically significant churches. Situated along the Via Ostiense, it honors Saint Paul, who is believed to be buried beneath its main altar. Known for its architectural splendor and historical significance, it is also a key site for pilgrims during Jubilee…
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Saint Peter’s Basilica: The Jubilee Door of Redemption
Saint Peter’s Basilica is the most iconic of the four papal basilicas in Rome, standing as a monumental tribute to Christian faith and artistic achievement. As the heart of Catholicism and a focal point for pilgrims, its Holy Door serves as a gateway to spiritual renewal during Jubilee Years, inviting the faithful to experience God’s…
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Saint Paul Outside the Walls: The Jubilee Door of Apostolic Faith
The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, a majestic landmark on the outskirts of Rome, is one of the four papal basilicas and a focal point for pilgrims during the Jubilee Year. It houses a Holy Door, symbolizing spiritual renewal and connection to the Apostle Paul, whose tomb lies within its sacred walls. A…
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Santa Maria Maggiore: A Jubilee Door to Divine Grace
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the four papal basilicas in Rome, stands as a beacon of faith, art, and history. Known for its breathtaking mosaics and its status as a major pilgrimage site, this basilica holds one of the Holy Doors opened during the Jubilee Year. A Jewel of Devotion Santa Maria…
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The Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano: A Jubilee Door Framed in Travertine
The Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, or St. John Lateran, is one of Rome’s most important and historic churches. Known as the “Mother of All Churches,” it is the cathedral of the Pope as the Bishop of Rome and holds a unique place in the spiritual and architectural legacy of the city. One feature…
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Where in the world can you find travertine and what Makes Tivoli’s Stone Unique?
Travertine, a natural stone prized for its beauty and versatility, has been used in architecture for thousands of years. While Tivoli’s quarries near Rome are among the most famous, travertine can also be found in other parts of the world. Yet, Tivoli’s travertine holds a distinct place in history and craftsmanship. Let’s explore how it…
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How Was Travertine Quarried in Ancient Times?
Ancient Romans mastered the extraction of travertine, a material that would go on to define some of the city’s most iconic structures, including the Colosseum and the aqueducts. This durable stone was primarily sourced from quarries in Tivoli, a city just outside Rome, and its extraction involved a blend of technique, manpower, and clever engineering…
