Although the Great Wall of China is sometimes cited as the greatest brick building in the world, bricks are used in just some parts of the wall. The Monastery of Saint Sava, also known as Hram Svetog Save, is situated in Belgrade, Serbia, and holds the distinction of being the world’s biggest structure made entirely of bricks. This enormous building has a 3,500 square meter floor area and is 70 meters tall. Over 1.5 million bricks were used in the construction of the monastery in the early 20th century.
Bricklaying is a specialized trade that calls for accuracy and precision. A competent bricklayer can lay between 400 and 600 bricks in a day, according to the Brick Industry Association. However, this figure may change depending on the project’s intricacy, the local climate, and the bricklayer’s level of experience. To become a skilled bricklayer, one must put in years of work and commitment.
Learning the craft of masonry—the art of creating structures out of bricks, stones, and concrete blocks—is not simple. Physical effort and intense concentration and attention to detail are both necessary. However, anyone can acquire the craft of masonry with the correct instruction and practice. Masonry courses are taught in many trade schools and apprenticeship programs; some even offer practical training and work placement chances.
There is evidence of brick structures from ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Romans, making masonry one of the oldest professions in the world. Although the use of bricks and other construction materials has changed over time, the fundamental methods and ideas have not changed. In the modern building business, masonry is still a crucial trade, and expert masons are in high demand.
With almost 1.5 million bricks used in its construction, the Monastery of Saint Sava in Belgrade, Serbia, holds the distinction of being the world’s largest single-brick building. A professional bricklayer may lay between 400 and 600 bricks in a day. Bricklaying is a specialized trade that demands accuracy and devotion. Although learning the skills necessary to construct structures with masonry materials can be difficult, anyone can become proficient with them with the right instruction and practice.