Tivoli's Travertine Quarries and Architecture: A Personal Journey
Alessandro Dandini de Sylva recounts his personal connection to Tivoli, focusing on the travertine quarries along the Via Tiburtina. His grandfather, Ignazio (George), returned from New York after the Great Depression and became a key figure in selling travertine for the Lincoln Center in New York. Architect Philip Johnson visited Tivoli to construct a 1:1 scale facade section in the quarries. The narrative also covers Villa Adriana, Villa d'Este, Villa Gregoriana, the Acque Albule thermal baths, and the Aniene river. Tivoli was founded in 1215 BC via the Sacred Spring ritual. The article appears in Artribune Magazine #68.
Key facts
- The travertine quarries are located along the Via Tiburtina from Rome to Tivoli.
- Alessandro Dandini de Sylva's grandfather Ignazio (George) helped sell travertine for the Lincoln Center in New York.
- Architect Philip Johnson visited Tivoli and built a 1:1 scale facade section in the quarries.
- The family quarry adjoins a farmhouse where Bernini stayed during the construction of St. Peter's.
- Bagni di Tivoli (Acque Albule) is a thermal complex with sulfurous pools.
- Villa Adriana is described as an accumulation of elements in the landscape.
- Tivoli was founded in 1215 BC on the right bank of the Aniene river.
- The article was published in Artribune Magazine #68.
Entities
Artists
- Alessandro Dandini de Sylva
- Ignazio Dandini de Sylva
- Philip Johnson
- Gian Lorenzo Bernini
Institutions
- Lincoln Center
- Artribune Magazine
Locations
- Tivoli
- Rome
- Via Tiburtina
- New York
- Brooklyn
- Ellis Island
- Bagni di Tivoli
- Acque Albule
- Villa Adriana
- Villa d'Este
- Villa Gregoriana
- Aniene
- Ronciglione
- Temple of the Sibyl
- Temple of Vesta
- Santuario di Ercole Vincitore