Italian cuisine and the UNESCO recognition: Lollobrigida's statement

The inscription of Italian cuisine on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list highlights the cultural significance of culinary practices, techniques and communal food traditions. Minister Lollobrigida described the recognition as a source of national pride and stressed the need to safeguard these skills.

Why it matters for visitors

UNESCO recognition concerns not only dishes and ingredients, but also communities, rituals and social practices linked to food. For travellers, it opens opportunities to engage in authentic, sustainable experiences that deepen understanding of local identity.

How to experience Italian cuisine as UNESCO heritage: practical tips

• Attend local markets and food festivals: ideal places to observe traditional products, preservation methods and intergenerational exchanges.
• Follow gastronomic routes in UNESCO Sites: many heritage towns offer itineraries that connect monuments with local culinary traditions.
• Join workshops and cooking classes: hands-on lessons in pasta making, cheese production or preserving techniques let you learn traditional methods.
• Visit food museums and interpretation centres: some sites host exhibitions focused on local productions and culinary knowledge.
• Opt for sustainable experiences: support small producers, agritourism and businesses that maintain traditional, eco-friendly practices.

Impact on Italy's UNESCO Sites

Recognising gastronomy as intangible heritage strengthens connections between tangible assets (monuments, landscapes) and intangible traditions, fostering initiatives that promote cultural tourism with greater awareness. Educational programmes, themed routes and local partnerships are effective ways to highlight this recognition.

Practical advice: check event calendars and availability before planning visits to ensure you participate in authentic activities aligned with the traditions recognised by UNESCO.