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sampietrino

cobblestone

noun sahm-pyeh-TREE-noh Rare
Travel & Places Landmarks

Origin: Named after St. Peter's Square (San Pietro) in Rome, where these basalt paving blocks were historically used.

Usage Note

Sampietrino refers specifically to the small, squared basalt cobblestones iconic to Rome's streets and piazzas; the name is inseparable from the city's identity. The plural sampietrini paves most of Rome's historic center. They are notorious for being slippery when wet and difficult to walk on in heels.

Examples

"I sampietrini di Roma sono scivolosi quando piove."

Natural Translation

Rome's cobblestones are slippery when it rains.

Literal Translation

The cobblestones of Rome are slippery when it-rains.

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