Marble origins lie in Marine Organisms. When they die, they leave calcite-rich shells. As water bodies evaporate, these remains form limestone which later gets buried under tons of rocks and converted into Marble with the help of intense pressure and heat by metamorphosis. Only Marble formed from purest limestone is the white Marble, which is the main characteristic of Carrara.

Carrara marble is one of the light-coloured marbles with grey veining and shiny grains. The patterning of this Marble is usually feathery and soft.

Did you know?
Carrara marble has been praised since Roman Civilization. In 1506, Michelangelo inherited a block of Marble from the quarry of Carrara and created the most iconic sculpture ‘David’, which is still present roughly 100kms from Florence, Italy: one of the most admired statues of renaissance time. It was his most favourite Marble, and he wasn’t alone; Leonardo De Vinci invented a marble cutting machine. Carrara Marble is also used in the Pantheon and Trajan’s Column in Rome.

Carrara Marble Usage:
Carrara Marble is used in construction, sculptures, interior and decoration, both for residential and commercial purposes. It is most adored as tiles, pavers and slabs. This Marble can be used as polished, honed or tumbled in countless ways.

Carrara Marble Tiles:
Carrara marble tiles can be used as the flooring of corridors, bedrooms, kitchen, lounge, bathroom and shower areas. The tiles can also be used for decoration in the interior spaces such as fireplaces and bathroom walls.

Carrara Marble Pavers:
Marble pavers are mainly used for exteriors such as patios, gazebos, fountains, pathways, stairways and courtyards. These are also used for covering fire pits and retaining walls.

Carrara Marble Slabs:
Marble slabs have two main applications, i.e. stair treads and kitchen or bathroom countertops.

Carrara stone can be preserved for a more extended period through regular maintenance, sealing, polishing and repairing if needed. This Marble can make any space look exquisite – though it can come with a hefty price tag compared to other marble types.

White marble on its own gives a very luxurious feel but fortunately can be combined with other types of marbles as well. It works well with neutral tones such as creams, greys and blacks, as well as some eye-catching colours. It is combined with brighter colours to lighten the sharpness and soften it for the ambience of the room. It is available in various types from all around the world, one of which is the white Statuario marble, arguably one of the most famous white marbles, from the city of Carrara in Italy. Even those who don’t know the name can easily recognise it from pictures.

White Statuario Marble from Carrara, Italy
Statuario Marble is one of the most famous white marbles around the world. It is quarried in the mountains above the city of Carrara and has been used in sculpture making and other decorative works since the Roman Era. It has a crystalline and luminous structure, which allowed artists such as Michelangelo to express their genius through it.

The History of White Statuario Marble
Previously it was used for decoration, sculpture making and some notable monuments such as the Temple of Proserpina, The Pantheon, Trajan’s Column and the Column of Marcus Aurelius, all very important buildings and monuments indicating the rich history of Italy and highlighting the significance of this marble. The world-famous sculpture of David by Michelangelo was made using white Statuario marble. Its demand and use in building luxury monuments were not limited to Italy. It was used to make Marble Arch, Victoria Memorial and the King Edward VII Memorial in the UK, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Dubai, and the Prem Mandir in India among many more. It has been a staple for the construction of some of the most notable buildings in history.

The Appearance
It is a more exclusive white marble stone with distinct grey and gold veining across the surface, giving it a very bold pattern. It is also available in thick bold grey veining on its surface. Due to the light tones, it will provide elegance and represent purity in the room it is installed in.

The Application
It is ideal for use in indoor applications such as on kitchen countertops and for backsplashes. It is used on bathroom vanities and floor tiles. This marble is not an ideal type for use in outdoor applications.

The Maintenance
White marble is prone to staining – but following specific guidelines can help in its maintenance such as using a seal protective coat on the marble, which prevents it from losing colour and making it stain-proof. Other measures include abstaining from vinegar or citrus products on the marble, which can etch the marble and avoiding using strong or acid-based cleansers for cleaning the marble.

Standing on the northern bank of Venice’s Grand Canal is The Palazzo Santa Sofia or the Ca D’Oro (House of Gold), whose intricately carved marble façade only gives a glimpse of its original glory. This house is one of the most notable examples of late Venetian Gothic architecture, which infused the existing concepts of Moorish, Byzantine and Gothic architecture into a unique aesthetic that symbolized the Venetian Republic’s cosmopolitan mercantile empire. Built initially as the luxury residence for Main Contarini, a wealthy Venetian businessman and politician, the palazzo has been owned by many people and has been renovated several times over its lifetime before ultimately becoming a museum for medieval paintings and sculptures.

The young Venetian Republic saw a period of unprecedented prominence in the early 15th century. A series of military victories transformed the maritime city-state into one of the most powerful entities on the Italian peninsula. The impressive trade networks coupled with the resources gained from these acquisitions proved so profitable that, by the 1420s, Venice was officially the wealthiest state in the whole of Europe.

During this optimistic time, Marin Contarini commissioned the construction of his new palace on the banks of the city’s Grand Canal. The Contarini family were among the most influential of Venice’s noble families. It was under their leadership that the Republic had defeated Genoa in 1380. Therefore, it only fitted that Marin’s new palace would reflect his family’s standing.

Its size and location were the first indicators of its grandeur nature. Most medieval cities were dense, crowded spaces. Therefore, just the cost of the site (35 by 22 metres) in the heart of Cannaregio was in itself an extravagant trait. However, the palazzo’s waterfront façade was the most significant expression of wealth and power out of all its qualities.

It was a norm at the time that buildings were primarily built using brick, which was lighter and cheaper to use than stone. It was a typical practice to cover the brick structures with a lime mortar to achieve a pleasant aesthetic finish. However, in the case of the Palazzo Santa Sofia, the bricks were sheathed with marble. This was without a doubt the sole reason why it took over forty stonemasons to complete its construction.

Several dozen artisans worked on a single façade for over a decade, which resulted in the complex mosaic of decorative elements that made up the building’s front. The decorative features differed from floor to floor, as the work was done on the building with two different groups of stonemasons lead by two different masters, all at different times, before being assembled under the supervision of another master builder. An exciting element of the design is that a few aspects like the balustrades of the upper levels and the capitals supporting the ground-level arcade were recycled from the old house that stood in its place previously. Everything else was carved and built specifically for the new palazzo.

As extravagantly luxurious as the stonework was, it was not up to the satisfaction of Marin Contarino. A lot of the palazzo’s decorative elements, including the spherical stone elements, the carved leaves on the capitals, and various other sculptural details, were embellished with gold leaf. Other elements were highlighted within ultramarine blue, black, white and red paint, accentuating the fine stonework underneath. This paint was a symbol of great wealth at the time as it was made of crushed lapis lazuli imported from Afghanistan. This commodity was considered more valuable than gold, and Venice was the gateway through which this paint entered Europe. Out of all this, it was the gold leaf coverings of the façade that had the most lasting impression even centuries after it has worn away. This gave the palazzo its nickname of Ca D’Oro, which translates to the “House of Gold’.

The extravagance of the canal façade has a stark contrast to the rest of the palazzo. No marble sheathing is present on the walls facing the inner courtyard, thus exposing the true brick façade. Despite being visible from the main canal, the eastern wall just around the corner remained uncovered. These façades did not serve as the main gateways into the building; therefore, they were neglected with lower decorative priority. Marin poured the vast majority of his budget into the canal façade and the gateway into the courtyard.

After enduring centuries of use, abuse and reconstruction, the Palazzo Santa Sofia now stands as a testament to the former glory of the Venetian Republic. Although the famous gilding has faded over the years, the ornate stonework and spacious apartments of the palace remain iconic examples of luxury design in the medieval empire at its greatest height.

We will take a quick glimpse at 2 spectacular buildings: The Scaligero (also: Castelvecchio) Bridge, and the Arco dei Gavi.

The bridge is one of the miracles of Verona given the time it was built: most certainly from 1354 till 1356. Its original purpose was to serve as a way out of the Castle in times of trouble. Destroyed at the end of WWII, it was rebuilt a couple of years later, sticking to the original. The lower part of the bridge, and this is why we decided to bring it up here, is made of white and red marble. This is a noteworthy proof that marble has more than aesthetic use only! We took this picture in August 2020.

The second monument is the Arco dei Gavi. It is estimated to have been erected around the middle of the first century AD, in honour of the Gens Gavia, one of the noble families of presumed Veronese origin.

The arch is of interest not only because of its visual and architectural appeal: The builders did not choose marble, but the famous Lessinia stone, a limestone from the larger Verona region (Valpolicella). This stone can be found in many old and new buildings in the area and can match the beauty of marble, too!

When thinking of luxurious marble, the most common kind of marble that comes to mind is either the Calacatta marble or white Statuario marble. Calacatta Marble is the epitome of luxury and is in demand for its features throughout the world.

This article is a quick guide on key facts you need to know about the luxurious Calacatta marble. 

The origins of Calacatta Marble

Calacatta Marble originates from the quarries in the Apuan mountains in Carrara, Italy. There are a vast number of quarries that produce different kinds of marble. Statuario and Calacatta are just the most famous and well known ones. The Borghini Quarry is one of the oldest in the area producing one of the best Calacatta marbles and can be traced back to the glory days of the Roman Empire.

The Appearance

Calacatta marble has a clearer and more distinctive appearance than the Statuario and is available in lesser quantity than the latter. It is more a rare marble due to which it is considered more luxurious and is consequently more expensive.

Calacatta marble often has a pure white background, with dramatic and bold grey and gold veining. It also rarely follows the linear pattern of most marbles. It is the perfect choice for those wanting to add opulence to their homes or a bold look that is easily achieved thanks to its large and thick patterns.

Calacatta is mostly available in the shade of white or grey but can also be found in the shades of green, blue, gold, or violet and can be paired easily with other marbles, neutrals or otherwise. 

The Applications

Due to the classical and luxurious feel, it is used in both residential and commercial applications such as elegant flooring, on countertops and backsplashes. It can be combined with light or dark coloured woods as well and has been used in architectural elements to help downplay certain pieces. Its natural beauty and aura makes it an eyecatcher everywhere it is applied.   

Types of Calacatta Marble

The Calacatta marble is subdivided into more types. The Calacatta Gold has intricate veining that is used for detailing. Calacatta Lincoln has more extensive bold veining used to highlight the striking appearance of the marble. Calacatta Viola and Calacatta Macchia Vecchia have rich cabernet tones and gold and taupe tones respectively.

Calacatta marble might not be sold as often as the Stauario marble or others, however, to give a home or building a feeling of luxury there are few marbles that are better suited, if any at all. With the varieties present in it, you can most certainly find one to fit your aesthetic needs.

Use nowadays: As a tourist attraction
Material: Marble and limestone

The tower of Pisa is amongst the four structures that make up the cathedral complex of Pisa, Italy, called Campo dei Miracoli or Piazza dei Miracoli, which translates to Field of Miracles.

With 207 columns and eight stories, it was a medieval architectural and construction marvel. Its original use was as a bell tower for the whole complex. However, now it has become one of the most visited tourist destinations of Italy due to its staggering 4 degree lean, hence termed ‘the leaning tower of Pisa’.

The tower of Pisa started to sink to the ground from one side when the construction had progressed to the second floor in 1178. It was mainly due to its 3-metre foundations that were set in weak, unstable soil. However, the construction was halted for almost a century due to the outbreaks of wars in the region. This gave time for the ground to settle and is the only reason it still stands today. Many restoration attempts have been made to keep the tower standing, and it is because of this that the tower of Pisa is said to be stable for at least another 200 years.

The tower was built mainly from white marble imported from regions on the Mediterranean Sea including Africa, Greece and Turkey. A local marble stone by the name of Carrara was also used due to its staggering white colour. However, marble was not the only building material used due to the expensive cost of the material. Limestone was used in parts of the towers that were not visible. That is one of the factors that lead to the tower not toppling over.

Turkish Travertine
Turkey has vast deposits of a broad spectrum of natural stones, travertine being one of the most popular deposits that are mined all over the country. Turkish travertine is widely admired and valued in the international markets, and the nation supplies some of the most significant quantities of travertine to the world.

Turkish travertine is quite similar to the travertine varieties extracted in Italy and Iran. Travertine has been mined in Turkey since antiquity and used widely in construction, building, decoration and other applications throughout its history. The majority of travertine quarries in Turkey are located in and around Denizli. Turkish travertine is available in several stunning shades and hues, including ivory, walnut, classic, light, medium, yellow, red/pink, silver as well as a dark chocolate colour known as noche.

Turkish travertine is extensively used in both indoor and outdoor applications, including driveway paving, alfresco areas, floor tiling, walls and roofing. Travertine from Turkey is cheaper than other natural stones such as granite, is very durable, and environmentally friendly. Turkey enjoys a soaring global demand for its travertine due to its high quality, affordability, vibrant colours and variety.

Italian Travertine
The largest reserves of travertine stone are found near Trivoli, Italy, which remains the world’s leading supplier of travertine to this day. As travertine is readily found in Italy near valleys, lakes and other water resources, it has served as a common building material throughout the history of the Roman Empire. Italy continued to be the principal supplier and exporter of travertine until the 1980s and held a natural monopoly in the global market.

Roman engineers used travertine extensively in their ambitious construction projects including Roman baths, amphitheatres and aqueducts. In modern times, travertine from Italy has been employed in thousands of construction projects. Italian travertine is known for its long-life, quality and aesthetic value. Travertine from Italy continues to be a prominent construction, décor and façade material, widely used in polished tiled walls, floors, countertops and backsplashes.

Italy is considered the most prestigious supplier of travertine stone, which is why it strictly regulates and controls its international supply. Unlike Turkish travertine, which is cheaper in price, the Italian travertine is a distinctly premium product which is available only in the ultra-luxury market worldwide.

Armenian Travertine
Armenian Travertine is available in a wide range of colours, designs and textures. Travertine in Armenia comes in an easy-grained variety that is formed by the precipitation of calcium carbonate into natural carbon source. Armenian travertine is extensively used in building, construction, decorative and facing purposes as it tends to create an extraordinary beautiful multi-dimensional effect. Travertine from Armenia is also a reliable and aesthetically pleasing natural stone for facing, refurbishing and mesh backing. Armenian travertine is different from Italian and Turkish travertine based on its patterns, styles and shades.

The Carrara region in Italy is renowned for its quarries. There is a profound misunderstanding revolving around the marble types quarried here, as different marbles resembling each other are often commercially called Carrara Marble – which is the most common type of Italian marble. To an untrained eye, they look relatively similar, but it is essential to distinguish the subtle differences to choose just the right kind.

Carrara marble is white to greyish with thin, often linear veins. The scarcer Calacatta marble is predominantly milky white, but has much larger, striking veins which create vivid patterns. Another Italian marble type in high demand quarried from the Carrara region is the Statuario marble. Statuario’s veins, varying in colour from grey to gold, are often thin and not very visible.

Italian marble isn’t limited to white and grey tones. A rare red-hued marble is quarried in Sicily, known as the Rosso Diaspro Marble. Additionally, Nero Portoro, a type of black marble striped with golden veins, is also quarried in Italy. Nero Portoro is especially suitable for exterior use. As you already know, no two chunks of marble are the same. Therefore each slab is specific, providing a unique touch to any design you might have in mind.

Location: Rome, Italy

Architectural style: Ancient Roman Architecture

Material: Marble

Ara Pacis, which is also known as Ara Pacis Augustae (Latin for “Altar of the Augustan Peace”) is a shrine consisting of a marble altar which is enclosed by walls. This was erected on January 30th, 9 BC in Rome’s Campus Martius (Field of Mars) in honour of the emperor Augustus. This can be referenced to Ovid’s Fasti and “Res Gestae Divi Augusti” (Achievements of the Divine Augustus) by Augustus himself.

As Augustus came back from the provinces of Gaul after spending three years supervising the administration of the region, the structure was commissioned in 13 BC to honour his return. Augustus chose to put the altar near his mausoleum in the Campus Martius, even though the Senate proposed building it in the Curia. However, the building was eventually buried by the sedimentation from the rising Tiber River.

It is speculated that parts of the shrine may have been uncovered before 1536 during the construction of the palace which has been built on the site. This can be seen in an engraving by Agostino Veneziano that replicates a frieze that is known to have come from the shrine. Several of the marble components were discovered in the 1800s; however, it was not until 1937 when a full-scale operation was launched that the remaining portions of the building were unearthed. A monument was built beside the Tiber known as Museo dell’Ara Pacis in 1938, which housed the reconstituted edifice. This was replaced by a structure designed by Richard Meier, a famous American architect of the time, in 2006. All throughout the 20th-century restoration of the Ara Pacis continued, both to reverse the effects of earlier unsuccessful attempts at repair and to stop the decay of the material due to its age.

The altar comprised of an interior space surrounded by a stone precinct wall. The structure was raised on a marble base with steps leading into that space. Most of the elements of Ara Pacis were heavily ornamented with relief carvings. These sculptures represented the shrine’s dedication ceremonies, events from Roman legend and floral motifs.

These works are said to be amongst the most excellent and most beautiful examples of Roman art.

Dimensions: 189m (long side) and 156m (short side), 48m high

Base Area: 24,000m²

Perimeter: 545m

Capacity: 50,000 – 70,000 (90,000) people

Built for: Vespasian

Material: Travertine

The Colosseum is a Roman Architectural Marvel, commissioned by Emperor Vespasian as a gift for his people of Rome. It was officially opened by Vespasian’s Son Titus with 100 days of games including gladiator wars and wild animal fights. It was named as Flavian Amphitheatre and is still considered as one of the seven wonders of the modern world.

Architecture
The Colosseum is elliptical, measuring approximately 190 by 155 metres. The centre of the arena is an oval, 87m long and 55m wide. Its façade consists of four levels with 80 arches each on the bottom three levels. These arches are the reason that the Colosseum was structurally possible at that time and is still stable.

The interior of the Colosseum provides seating for almost 90,000 spectators. These seatings were based on the social status, with the elite class sitting at the bottom and the lower class at the top farther away from the centre. The Colosseum includes all ancient orders, Doric on the ground floor, Ionic on the second, and the third floor features Corinthian.

Material
The Colosseum is built of travertine limestone, tuff, and brick-faced concrete. The Romans quarried over 100,000 cubic metres of travertine stone for the main structure, pillars, and radial walls of the Colosseum. The same quantity of tuff and brick-faced concrete was also used to improve the elasticity of the whole arena.

Remains
Only one-third of the original structure is still present. Most of it was affected by time, earthquakes, fires, wars, and neglect. Restoration efforts began in the 1990s, and it’s still one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.