Rossi Alabastri Volterra
Italy
A visit in the oldest company of Alabaster production, they have also a lab where they do a free demonstration of craftsmanship.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to Volterra, a city that has been inextricably linked to the translucent beauty of alabaster for nearly three millennia. You are standing before Rossi Alabastri, one of the most prestigious and historic workshops in the…
Listen in the app2The Artisan's Tools — The Woodcarver’s Legacy
As you observe the artisans at Rossi Alabastri, you might be surprised by the tools they use. Unlike marble, which requires heavy hammers and tempered steel chisels, alabaster is relatively soft. …
Listen in the app3Transparent vs. Opaque — A Study in Light
One of the most remarkable features of Volterra alabaster is its varied relationship with light. Within the Rossi workshop, you can see examples of both transparent and opaque stones. …
Listen in the app4The Finishing Touch — Abrasive Pulp and Talcum
The final stage of the alabaster process is what truly brings the stone to life. After the carving is complete, the surface is still rough and dull. …
Listen in the app5The Alabaster Quarry — The Subterranean Source
While we are in the workshop, we must consider the origin of this stone. Alabaster is not mined in open pits like marble but is found in 'ovuli' or large underground boulders in the clay-rich soil around Volterra. …
Listen in the app6The Etruscan Urn — A Link to the Ancestors
One of the most significant sections of the Rossi workshop is dedicated to the reproduction and restoration of Etruscan urns. These small sarcophagi are the defining artifacts of ancient Volterra. …
Listen in the app7The Modern Studio — Contemporary Alabaster Art
While Rossi Alabastri is deeply rooted in tradition, it is not a stagnant museum. In this section of the workshop, you can see how the family has adapted the stone for modern tastes. …
Listen in the app8Closing
As you prepare to leave the Rossi Alabastri workshop, take one last look at the masterpieces surrounding you. You have journeyed through the geological birth of this stone, the historical weight of its Etruscan roots, and the…
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What is Rossi Alabastri Volterra?
Rossi Alabastri Volterra is a place in Italy with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Italy |
|---|---|
| Type | Activity |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 43.4034, 10.8591 |
| Last updated |
