A cobble[1]​ or pavés[2]​ is a stone or carved block of rectangular shape that is used in the construction of pavements. The materials most used for its construction have been granite, due to its great resistance and ease of treatment, and, above all, basalt, which adds greater ease of cutting to its hardness.[3]​ Its dimensions are usually 20 cm long by 15 cm wide, which facilitates manipulation with one hand. In Italy, Roman imperial roads used to be built with cylindrical basalt blocks that gave the pavement a black color. On the other hand, the slow cooling of the lava in the volcanic flows formed prismatic cylindrical and often hexagonal colonnades that often facilitated its use to pave the roads that crossed the entire Roman imperial territory.

Cobblestone comes from the Hispanic Arabic addukkán or addukkín 'squared stone', and this from the classical Arabic dukkān 'wooden or stone bench').

In Spanish, the word pavé has been documented since 1842, it derives from the French word pavé[2]​ which means pavement or block, generally made of stone and with a rectangular base, used to pave streets and roads.[4]​ The French word originates from the Latin pavīmentum.

Its origin dates back to 25 centuries ago. The Carthaginians and Romans used them on their large roads to provide them with speed and duration. To achieve more comfortable transportation, it was necessary to achieve a more continuous rolling surface and this could not be achieved with the previous paving, which consisted of uncut stones in a natural state.

Cobblestone was used functionally until the end of the century. In Napoleon's time, large avenues were built in the cities, among other things to allow large artillery pieces to circulate through the streets. Later the French built paved roads. The appearance of the automobile increased the pace of paving and paving ceased to be profitable.

Today, cobblestones are used for aesthetic reasons and many of the old ones are still in service and in good condition. Even in Belgium and France they are often used for cycling competitions,[5]​ proof of the great robustness of this system. Likewise, concrete pavers have been developed, which are used in a similar way to the old stone pavers and give rise to what is called articulated pavements. Sometimes, colorants are added to modern paving stones for a better aesthetic result.