Photo Source: FAI
The Italian Foundation FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano) has put the power of preservation into the hands of the Italian people by allowing residents to voice their opinions regarding which cultural landmarks need immediate protection.
"Places of the Heart" is a national survey that aims to gather information from Italian residents about the places they most value. With the data gathered from the survey, FAI hopes to safeguard the national treasure most important to the people of Italy for future generations.
Now in its fifth year, the aim of the project is to involve all residents of Italy, regardless of nationality or age, in helping to raise awareness of the value of Italy's natural beauty and artistic and cultural monuments. By allowing residents to define Italy's national treasures, the project hopes to identify and protect the locations identified by the very people who interact with the cultural markers on a daily basis.
In 2010, 464,649 people voiced their opinions about what they believe are Italy's most treasured landmarks. Respondents listed churches, public buildings, monasteries, convents, monasteries, palaces and castles as the most important Places of the Heart.
To have a look at the final list visit I Luoghi del Cuore website.
