01/06/2025
Guastavino tile is seen in vaults throughout NYC including here at the Queensboro Bridge's Manhattan approach along 1st Avenue and inside Trader Joe's.
Guastavino tiling is a system of reinforcing interlocking terracotta tiles and layers of mortar that adds strength to self supporting arches and vaults.
It was created by Spanish building engineer Rafael Guastavino, who moved to the US in 1881. He filed US patent for the technique 1885.
Other places in NYC to admire this beautiful architectural feature are: The Whispering Gallery and Oyster Bart at Grand Central Terminal, Ellis Island Registry Room, St. Paul's Chapel at Columbia University, The Municipal Building on Chambers Street above the subway entrance, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Prospect Park Boathouse, Bronx Zoo Elephant House, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, Roosevelt Island’s Visitor Center, Old City Hall Subway Station, and Crypt of Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
