Pavimenti alla Genovese

At the beginning of the 20th century, as cement began to be commonly used as a binding agent, the artisans of Genova developed a flooring technique called Pavimenti alla Genovese.  The flooring surface is prepared by spreading a mixure of crushed brick, or cacciopesto,  sand and cement and then flattened several times with a roller and iron.  Once the base is prepared, a perforated paper drawing of the design is placed over the base and lime is sprinkled over the entire surface.  When the paper is pulled away, an outline of the design remains on the base.  A paste is then spread and cubes of colored marble are laid to form the design.  Finally, a mixure of cement and grit is spread across the surface and rolled again to consolidate the materials.  After drying for 30 days, the flooring is treated with linseed oil and then polished with wax or iron.

Our apartment, which was built in 1909, has Pavimenti alla Genovese floors, but the floors that touch me are those of Via XX Settembre.  Completed in the same year, these walks extend from Piazza de Ferrari eastward towards the Ponte Monumentale.

 

As I walk along these sidewalks, I can't but help imagine my father, who would have been 9 years old when they were laid, walking along them with his parents and brother and sisters.