As the only American fabricator chosen as delegate of an international mission officially invited to survey some of Italy's fabled stones, I had the opportunity to visit a few of the most traditional quarries in operation today - some dating back to pre-Roman times. There, countless generations of artisans perfected the art of extracting and working with stones, while dedicating their lives to this proud trade.

High up in the mountains stone is not an architectural accessory; rather, it is a durable and abundant building material that became essential to the very existence of life. Home foundations, walls, roofs, flooring, hearths, and even cooking surfaces and furniture are made from the local stones, and protect men and animals from the rigors of nature and the long cold nights of winter.

Different stones, with their unique strengths, beauty, and possibilities were harmoniously brought together to erect buildings and towns, and in the process they came to be an integral element of the life, art, and culture of the civilization they surround and shelter.

As an Italian citizen from the Lombardia whose own family is also immersed in stone, I feel honored to have met, high up in the mountains, the modern participants in this noble trade - the direct descendants of those who initiated it there hundreds and thousands of year ago.

Following in ancient footsteps, today they use the latest machinery to accomplish the same goal as their forefathers, and keep alive and well this rich tradition of creating living spaces in natural stone.

This mission was superbly organized and fully sponsored by Gli Operatori del Settore Lapideo, Regione Lombardia, Camera di Commercio di Sondrio, Banca Popolare di Sondrio, Camera di Commercio di Bergamo, and the Sviluppo Lazio (Provincia di Roma). To all my heartfelt Thank You.