Florence installs stamped asphalt in historic Piazza San Marco

The long‑standing issue of deteriorating stone paving in Florence’s central Piazza San Marco has been addressed after a council debate that began in September 2024. Councilor Francesco Casini highlighted the rapid wear caused by about 1,400 heavy vehicles daily and called for a more durable solution. The city has now chosen a stamped asphalt surface treated with resin, designed to mimic the appearance of stone while resisting traffic stress and reducing heat absorption. The work, announced by mobility assessor Andrea Giorgio, will start on 14 August and run until 23 August, with temporary road closures around Via degli Arazzieri, Via Cesare Battisti and nearby streets to minimise disruption. Localised stone repairs will also be carried out on the side of the San Marco Museum. The new material aims to provide a lasting fix without compromising the historic look of the square.