With sampietrini, there are no half-measures: either you love them or you hate them. And if you have been to Rome, you definitely know why. They are beautiful to look at, and so incredibly characteristic of our beloved capital, but god forbid you have to walk on them on a rainy day: the risk of slipping and breaking your neck is real! 

Sampietrini, also known as “sanpietrini” or “selcio,” are cobblestones made from leucite rock extracted from the Selci quarry, located in the Colli Albani hills near Rome. Strangely enough, we have no historical or archaeological proof that the ancient Romans employed leucite rock in their buildings or roads, however, the material has been known for its compactness and durability for centuries: that’s why it’s not so bizarre to see them paving so many streets in our capital.