"The life of a paver is a bitter thing, sorrows and joys are among the cobblestones."
Anonymous
Several qualities characterize the Calçada Portuguesa, the Portugese sidewalks found throughout the city of Rio de Janeiro. A principal feature of the sidewalk is its capacity to be restored using the same natural stone it was originally built with — a combination of granite or basalt and limestone — positioned within a bed of gravel. These materials possess greater durability compared to artificial materials such as asphalt, concrete, or tiles. The style and layout of each sidewalk is conceived by a master designer (either an individual or a team). The rock is manually cut and laid by hand. This kind of paving is a regulated craft in Brasil. The calceteiros, or pavers, were originally brought in from Portugal to instruct laborers in the profession. Long hours and low wages are typical in this kind of traditional paving.
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