Building Stones of Milan and Lombardy: 2-Volume Set

Milan and Lombardy have a long history of stone architecture, with different stones used in the same building. This study suggests a petrographic study of the stones quarried in the Lombard territory to understand their features. Part One contains a record of Milanese edifices, with each edifice described in a card containing information such as building history, architect, stone type, and shape. Part Two contains the description of the features of the stones, including metamorphic and magmatic rocks, sedimentary rocks, and loose materials. Some stones from other northern Italian regions are also described.

Format: Mixed media product
Length: 704 pages
Publication date: 17 April 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Milan and Lombardy have held a prominent place in the Italian nation since ancient times, and this significance is evident in the widespread adoption of stone architecture. A notable characteristic of Milanese architecture was the use of various stones in the same building, a practice that persisted throughout different historical periods. Milan, located in the heart of the Po alluvial plain, is far from the natural stone quarries. To meet the demand for building materials, waterways were excavated to transport stones from neighboring territories.

The study of stone as a building material gained importance towards the end of the 19th century, but it subsequently fell into neglect among architects and geologists. Consequently, it is of utmost importance to propose a comprehensive study that explores the stones used in constructing buildings in Milan (Part One) in conjunction with a detailed petrographic analysis of the characteristics of stones quarried across the entire Lombard region (Part Two).

Part One presents a comprehensive record of Milanese edifices, each representing a distinct historical era. Each edifice is documented in a card that includes essential information such as the building's history, the architect responsible for its design, the type of stone utilized, and its classification based on different parts of the structure. The shape of stone elements is also described in detail.

Part Two delves into the detailed description of the stones mentioned in Part One. These stones are categorized into metamorphic and magmatic rocks originating from the Alpine region, sedimentary rocks and loose materials from the Prealpine area, sedimentary rocks from the Apennine region, and loose sediments from the Padania plain. Additionally, some stones, sourced from other northern Italian regions, have been incorporated into Lombard architecture. Each stone is meticulously documented in a card that encompasses various aspects, including commercial and historical names, petrographic classification, macroscopic features, mineralogical composition, microscopic features, geological setting, quarry sites, transportation to yards, and morphology of dressed elements.

In conclusion, Milan and Lombardy have played a crucial role in the architectural heritage of Italy, and the study of stone as a building material has been integral to this legacy. The city of Milan, situated in the Po alluvial plain, has demonstrated a persistent tradition of using diverse stones in constructing buildings, reflecting its historical significance. By undertaking a comprehensive analysis of the stones employed in Milan and exploring the petrographic characteristics of stones quarried across the Lombard region, we can gain a deeper understanding of the rich architectural heritage of this region.

Weight: 1462g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367345631