Italy's 'Places of the Heart' census draws over 350,000 votes
Two months after the launch of the 13th edition of the "Places of the Heart" (I Luoghi del Cuore) census, FAI – the Italian National Trust has released an initial snapshot of how Italians are choosing to protect their cultural and landscape heritage.
More than 350,000 votes have already been collected, highlighting the strong involvement of citizens, associations, schools, municipalities, and local committees in safeguarding Italy's cultural and natural heritage.
The initiative shines a light on an extraordinary yet often overlooked environmental and cultural legacy that deserves greater protection and promotion, CE Report quotes ANSA.
The campaign, supported by Intesa Sanpaolo and endorsed by Italy's Ministry of Culture, has become not only a tool for civic participation but also a driving force for preserving local heritage across the country.
Alongside castles, abbeys, and religious sites, the list also features lesser-known treasures, including natural areas, prehistoric caves, historic bridges, Art Nouveau buildings, airship hangars, mountain lighthouses, monumental trees, and sites linked to traditional crafts—showcasing the remarkable diversity of Italy's heritage.
The provisional ranking is currently led by the Lame of Puglia, a vast karst landscape connecting the Murge plateau to the Adriatic Sea. A network of local authorities is working to protect and enhance both its natural and historical significance.
Second place goes to the rock caves of Verzino in the province of Crotone, ancient shelters used by the area's earliest inhabitants and now part of the Vitravo River Regional Nature Reserve.
Third is the Convent of Renacavata, near Camerino, the first headquarters of the Capuchin Order and an important stop along the Capuchin Way pilgrimage route.
The current top ten also includes:
Villa San Leonardo al Palco (Prato)
Sanctuary of the Seven Churches (Monselice)
Cascina Monluè (Milan)
San Michele Bridge (Paderno d'Adda)
Convent of San Domenico (Taggia)
Church of San Giovanni (Portogruaro)
Benedictine Abbey of Saints Nicholas and Paul VI (Rodengo Saiano)
The ranking spans the entire country—from Puglia to Lombardy, passing through Calabria, Marche, Tuscany, Veneto, and Liguria—underscoring the nationwide nature of the initiative.
The census also provides tangible opportunities for local communities. Sites that receive at least 3,000 votes will be eligible to apply for FAI grants supporting restoration, conservation, or enhancement projects. The top three finishers will be able to compete for funding of €70,000, €60,000, and €50,000, respectively, upon submission of a project proposal.
Voting will remain open until December 15 and can be completed online through the dedicated website or via paper forms distributed by local organizing committees.
The initiative aims to continue engaging citizens and communities in protecting a heritage that is often little known but is essential to Italy's history, culture, and local identity.
Photo: Wikipedia
