The Travertine Street Signs of Rome

Wander through any part of Rome. Whether it’s the bustling historic center or a quiet street on the city’s outskirts and you’ll find something in common on nearly every corner: street names etched in iconic travertine stone. These enduring signs are more than just functional; they’re a tribute to Rome’s architectural heritage and a subtle reminder of the city’s long-standing connection to travertine.

A Style as Old as the City’s Heart

The tradition of using travertine for street signage dates back to the early 20th century, when the municipal government decided to standardize the appearance of street names throughout the city. An official design was adopted that is still in use today: white, rectangular travertine plaques, with bold, all-capital letters engraved in black, giving a timeless and dignified look to even the narrowest alleyways.

The Mysterious Roman Numerals

If you look closely, you’ll often see Roman numerals etched in the top right corner of many street plaques. These numbers represent the “rioni” (districts) of Rome, part of a system that dates back to ancient times. The rioni organization was reestablished in the 16th century by Pope Paul III, and even today, each rione has its own number, allowing both locals and visitors to orient themselves within Rome’s complex network of neighborhoods.

Here’s the list of Rome’s 22 historical rioni and their corresponding numbers:

1. Prati
2. Monti
3. Trevi
4. Colonna
5. Campo Marzio
6. Ponte
7. Parione
8. Regola
9. Sant’Eustachio
10. Pigna
11. Campitelli
12. Sant’Angelo
13. Ripa
14. Trastevere
15. Borgo
16. Esquilino
17. Ludovisi
18. Sallustiano
19. Castro Pretorio
20. Celio
21. Testaccio
22. San Saba

A Democratic Stone for Every Street

What’s remarkable about these signs is that they’re not limited to the monumental heart of Rome. You’ll find travertine signage on even the most remote streets, a testament to the democratic use of the material. Travertine is part of Rome’s geological identity, sourced from the quarries near Tivoli that have supplied stone to the city since the time of the Republic. By using travertine so widely, Rome created a city where even the smallest streets bear the same sense of gravitas as the city’s grandest boulevards.

Why Travertine?

Travertine’s durability and ease of maintenance make it ideal for street signs exposed to weather, pollution, and the wear and tear of daily life. The material is resistant to both time and the elements, allowing these signs to remain legible and intact for decades. Plus, travertine’s warm, natural hue harmonizes with the color palette of Rome’s architecture, blending the signage seamlessly into its surroundings.

Whether you’re reading street names in the historical center or discovering them in Rome’s outer neighborhoods, know that each plaque is a piece of Rome’s story, an unassuming yet powerful link to the city’s ancient roots and ongoing legacy.