Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Venetian Marble: Carving History In Stone

Italy can be called the Mecca of marble. Really, there is hardly any building in this country where you can not find any marble. This applies to all the commercial, private or public buildings. This has given Venice its own place among the cities. In fact, the Venetian marbles can be placed right by the side of other iconic things of the city such as the gondola, Casanova, coffee houses, Murano glass, Amarone wine.

When you reach this amazing city, you will be very eager to watch the Venetian palazzos and the sight of the Palazzo Ducale, or Contarini Del Bovolo and Ca d’Oro. In all of them, marble has been used exquisitely to create an ambience of luxury and class. Basilica di St. Marco is another place where you can witness the fascinating art with the marble. In the hotels, restaurants, and every where in Venice, you will find mosaic, tiles, columns and panels all made of marble. In fact, most of the buildings use marble to construct the floor and the marble.

Venice had witnessed an unprecedented high during the time of Renaissance. The famous stonemasons of that time had lent Venice an unparalleled beauty that still fascinates people all over the world. Among those artists who made Venice the city of romance, Jacopo Bambagiani, and Andrea Palladio should be mentioned.

One of the greatest features of the Venetian marble is its variety. According to experts, there are more than hundred different types of marbles that have been used in different construction across the city. Now, when you consider the geographical locale and the fact that almost all of them are imported from far away, you must admire the variety.

In fact, the Venetian marble was generally imported from the Mediterranean area. However, the Rosso Verona was quarried from the surroundings of Verona. However, Venice showcases different other marbles quarried from Italy as well. This includes Statuario, Portoro, Rosso Lepanto, Bianco Carara and Botticino.

Both the Bianco Cararra and Statuario were quarried from the Carrara region that is located in Tuscany. The later is whiter and has less veins black and grey veins than the first one. This type of the marble was used by the legendary sculptor Michelangelo and this is the stone that he used to create the famous statue of David. This statue can still be seen at the Accademia Gallery in Florence.

However, many feel that Portoro and Rosso Lepanto have an essential Venetian flavor in them than the other ones. The later has a rich color, while former has a texture that creates a spell. In fact, the city of Venice has the essential shine, the joy in it to match the marble, which is derived from a Greek word meaning shining.

The marble mosaic floors of Venice are yet another example of that colorful facet of the city. However, you can install them in your house. But, to make the most of them, you must take the help of the experts. Remember when you add them to your house you bring home a piece of history.

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