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The Third Management Plan of the Historic Centre of Florence
The Management Plans

RESEARCH PROJECT

Drafting of the Preparatory Document for the Adoption of the Risk Management Plan

Project funded under Law February 20, 2006, n. 77

The research project “Drafting of the Preparatory Document for the Adoption of the Risk Management Plan” for the World Heritage site “Historic Centre of Florence” is an initiative funded by the Italian Ministry of Culture under Law No. 77 of February 20, 2006, which provides special measures for the protection and enjoyment of Italian sites inscribed on the World Heritage List.

The 2014 Retrospective Statement of Outstanding Universal Value and the 2023 Periodic Report submitted to the World Heritage Centre initiated the identification of risks and critical issues, such as natural disasters and extreme weather events, that could impact the preservation of the site. Risk analysis, already partially integrated into the 2022 Management Plan, is designed to play a central role in coordinating the activities of the bodies responsible for managing each asset recognized as an attribute of the site. This approach aims to guarantee a coordinated protection of heritage while safeguarding the integrity of the Historic Centre, its Outstanding Universal Value, human lives, and all related cultural and natural assets.

The structuring of the Preparatory Document involves a phase of research and data collection regarding the management characteristics and vulnerabilities of the identified assets, alongside an analysis of national and international best practices for risk management. Furthermore, it defines a specific strategy for the Historic Centre of Florence based on the UNESCO guidelines “Managing Disaster Risks for World Heritage” and its subsequent updates.

Developed by the World Heritage and relationship with UNESCO Office of the Municipality of Florence in collaboration with the HeRe_Lab Innovation Laboratory and the Department of Architecture of the University of Florence, this initiative involves asset managers, institutions, researchers, and professionals engaged in disaster risk management programs.

Project managers
Municipality of Florence – Culture Department, World Heritage and relationship with UNESCO Office, and University of Florence, Department of Architecture (DIDA), HeRe_Lab Joint Research Laboratory

Project funded under Law February 20, 2006, n. 77
“Special measures for the protection and use of Italian sites and elements of cultural, landscape and environmental interest, inscribed on the ‘World Heritage List’, placed under the protection of UNESCO”

 

FAQ

Why is the Historic Centre of Florence a World Heritage Site?

The Historic Centre of Florence was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1982. The justification for its inscription is contained within the Statement of Outstanding Universal Value, which articulates the criteria for inscription of the site, its integrity, authenticity and the management system for its protection. The Historic Centre of Florence is considered to be a unique artistic achievement embedding museums, churches, palaces and globally renowned cultural goods of inestimable value. The city has also been able to exert an important cultural, economic and architectural influence in Italy and Europe for centuries, defining itself as the birthplace of modern Humanism and Renaissance values. The stratification of these values is also enriched by the relationship between the Historic Centre and the surrounding hills, which form a perfect harmonious backstage.

What is the area of the city of Florence inscribed on the World Heritage List?

The Core Zone inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1982 coincides with the Historic Centre of Florence, traditionally identified with the area included within the avenues corresponding to the ancient circle of the fourteenth-century walls. In 2021, a boundary modification of the perimeter was approved to include the complex of San Miniato al Monte and the surrounding area. The Buffer Zone of the site encompasses the eighteen Belvedere points and includes part of the territories of four municipalities: the Municipality of Florence, the Municipality of Sesto Fiorentino, the Municipality of Fiesole and the Municipality of Bagno a Ripoli.  

What is the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV)?

Cultural and/or natural significance that is so exceptional that it transcends national boundaries and is of common importance to present and future generations of humanity as a whole, constituting the fundamental requirement for the inscription of porperties on the World Heritage List. The properties  deemed to hold Outstanding Universal Value can be included in the World Heritage List if:

  • They satisfy one or more Selection Criteria;
  • They respect the conditions of Integrity and Authenticity;
  • They have an adequate Protection and Management System to ensure their safeguarding
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