Terrazzo, or “battuto alla veneziana,” is so named because it reached its greatest development and splendor in the lagoon city of Venice.

 Its origin lies in Greece, where floors made of river stones were laid and cemented with lime and clay. Later, this type of floor was replaced by various paving techniques, including the opus signinum, which was made in Italy using cocciopesto (ground brick) and lime. The pavimenta, on the other hand, were manufactured with lime using a technique and ingredients similar to those of plaster.

 The mosaic floor (opus tessellatum) reached its highest perfection towards the end of the Roman Empire, with the rise of the Christian period. However, it was thanks to the artisans of Friuli that the decorative paving, made of pebbles collected from riverbeds, was rediscovered and brought to Venice.