back
forward
SERENA
STONE -
History
Firenzuolo is a small town in the Mugello area not far from Florence. Born in 1300 the local economy developed heavily on it's natural goods both gastronomic and mineral.
The "Pietra Serena" stone distinguishes itself for it's rough grain and colour; it was only really discovered with the Renaissance- the golden age. Michelangelo Buonarotto, Giorgio Vassari and Brunelleschi all used this stone for some of their works.
the "Pietra Serena" has always been used for construction and finishing, it can be seen in some Palazzo's in Florence. To a smaller extent it has also been used for ornamental elements.
The extraction of Pietra Serena has been somewhat sporadic uptill recently. In 1920-30's approxamately 5.000mc/year were extracted whilst in 1985 the quantity extracted reached 50.000mc/year. This is also due to technological innovation in the extraction process- the quarries usually being open air.
The development of this stone and the art and craftsmen connected to it, can be attributed to the development of the local shool which has made a significant effort in the past few years to attract a number of young talented people so as to continue this local traditional skill, both as regards extraction and artistic works.