Private cultural heritage: 60% generates value for tourism, culture and

Private cultural heritage: 60% generates value for tourism, culture and agriculture

Italy's private cultural heritage is an economic and social driver. Data presented at the national Assembly of the Association of Italian Historic Houses (ADSI) highlight the sector's role in local communities and production chains.

• 46,000 private cultural assets across the country, nearly 30% in municipalities with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants;
• 60% of these assets generate direct value in tourism, culture and agriculture;
• More than 35 million visitors in 2024 and over 20,000 entities opening their sites or promoting events;
• 85% of maintenance works are self-financed, with average annual expenditure above €50,000 per asset;
• Restoration investments reached €1.2 billion for extraordinary works in 2024 and over €1.9 billion overall.

Speakers at the ADSI Assembly in Rome included institutional and agricultural representatives. Key proposals included extending the Art Bonus to private cultural assets managed by foundations and third-sector organisations and harmonising VAT treatment to make restorations and cultural activities more sustainable.

Owners and associations urged clearer regulatory and administrative frameworks, reduced bureaucracy and improved infrastructure to enable historic houses to expand activities and strengthen their positive regional impact.

The Assembly also awarded the ADSI Thesis Prize, recognising young researchers working on recovery and valorisation of private cultural heritage.