Istria stone: a stone already used by the ancient Romans

Istria stone is a sedimentary cliff limestone coming from the homonymous peninsula in the Adriatic Sea which borders the Italian geographical region to the east. It is also known as Orsera stone. As it is compact and not very porous, it prevents the rise of moisture and is very resistant to salt corrosion. Like most limestone rocks, it is sensitive to chemical aggression in particular to the sulphur dioxide contained in the polluted air and the consequent acid rain which causes the deterioration of the surface.

Cover photo: Altar high-relief made in Istria stone with inlays – Arte 2000 work

A unique stone exported overseas

The Istrian stone has been quarried for over two thousand years and was well known since Roman times.

The oldest monument are:

• the Pula Arena in Croatia built in Istria stone in the first century A.D.;
• the Arch of Augustus, entrance door to the city of Rimini in Italy, built in 27 B.C. and covered with Istria stone, now partly lost

In 1669 mining and distributive activities reached almost industrial levels and after a period of regression, regained their strength. Venetian researchers and officials, witnesses of Istrian times and places, have especially mentioned the quarries of Brijuni, Rovinj and Orsera. The Istrian region has not become famous for the sculptural art but for the great quantity of stone available and the consequent intense export occurred during the Middle Ages and modern times to the great overseas metropolis, in particular in Venice. It was in fact one of the most used stones in Venice in order to build beautiful monuments and wonderful palaces able to withstand the continuous contact with the water of the sea. Most of the production is still exported to Italy.

Quarry area

Croatia, in the Istrian region: in particular in Orsera, Rovinj, Poreč and Pula; recently also in Kanfanar, Pinguente and Pisin

Availability

limited. The quarries are running out and it becomes increasingly difficult to find material of first choice.

Colour

Freshly extracted, it has a colouration ranging from ivory to pearl grey with slight shades of dark beige, pale pink or light green. With exposure to atmospheric agents it assumes a uniform pale grey colour. Over the years, it becomes white due to the superficial redeposition of calcite, dissolved by water action and the recent sulphation phenomena.

Istria stone detail

Use

It is appropriate for ornamental works for classic and rustic ambiences, both indoor and outdoor: fountains, fireplaces, floors, stairs, coverings, columns, balustrades, portals, frames, sculptures. It is suitable for any type of finishings; it lends itself very well to our special antique finishing with “time-worn” effect.

Our works

Carved vase in Istria stone with antique finish – Arte 2000 work

Carved basin for the fountain in Istria stone – Arte 2000 work

Dolphin sculpture in Istria stone – Arte 2000 work

Lion sculpture in Istria stone with antique finish – Arte 2000 work

Angel sculpture in Istria stone with antique finish – Arte 2000 work

Giallo d’Istria marble

Istrian stones are always classified according to their solidity and appearance.

Giallo d’Istria marble is a limestone from the Istrian peninsula. It has a background colour varying between yellow, beige and hazel with the characteristic presence of dark spots, more or less homogeneous. Depending on the type of stains and the background tone, it is classified in courses“” (I, II, III, IV,V) with different availability and costs. It is widely used in indoor and outdoor construction. It is healthy and resistant to low temperatures but less than Istria stone. Istria Stone and Giallo d’Istria marble are therefore two different materials with various qualities and should not be confused.

School of international sculpture in the Montraker-Orsera ex quarry

Every year at the end of summer, the abandoned Montraker quarry in Orsera comes to life with an open-air sculpture summer course. The school, founded in 1991 and became international in 1993, is attended by undergraduates of the Croatian and foreign Fine Arts academies. Under the guidance of master sculptors, the students learn about the stone, the techniques of working and inspired by the magic of a place rich in history, create fantastic works. The works are then exposed in public places, along the seashore and in city parks.

In conclusion, Stefano Facchini is very fond of this stone and admits that:

«Talking about Istria and its stones makes me go back in time, reawakening with nostalgia so many memories. My paternal grandfather, of Istrian origin, owned a stone quarry in Santo Stefano, along the valley of Quieto river in the heart of Istria; he abandoned everything because of the war. My life has also been marked! I have a deep bond with this land and the Istrian stone, which is part of it, gives voice to my passion!».

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