UNESCO aims at protecting the World Heritage, both material and immaterial ones. In those lists, you can find the sites or cultural practices that represent milestones of the past that are transmitted to future generations.
So, in Piedmont, there are 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as Intangible Cultural Heritage elements.

In this article, you will find the UNESCO World Heritage List regarding Piedmont, from the material heritage to the immaterial one.

Savoy Residences

The first site recognized in 1997 by UNESCO in Piedmont is the Savoy Residences (Italian: Residenze Sabaude). Piedmont is dotted with royal residences because it used to be the headquarters of the Savoy Royal House, which was ruling over the Kingdom of Sardinia and, later, the Kingdom of Italy. Those sites are divided into five groups, which are representative of their function during the years. They are also known as Corona di Delizie (Crown of Delights), as it was a system commissioned by Emanuele Filiberto when the capital of the Kingdom was moved to Torino.

Those residences were built during the centuries, so nowadays we can find many buildings that serve different functions, such as halls of power and hunting lodges. Some are located in Torino, others among the whole region, like the Castle of Racconigi and the Castle of Grinzane Cavour.

Pile-dwelling sites around the Alps

Even though it may sound strange, in Piedmont, during prehistorical times, there were stilt houses. This site is not so known even by Piedmont inhabitants, but it's part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites List since 2011. Those stilt houses are located around the Alps, and they were part of more than 100 prehistorical settlements.

Sacri Monti of Piedmont

The Sacri Monti is a UNESCO serial site protected since 2003. They consist of groups of chapels, statues, and artifacts dating back to the XVII century, and they were included in a natural frame. There are many sanctuaries that are accessible only by rocky hiking. Those sites had to represent the episodes of the life of Jesus and the saints so that they could give visitors the impression of going on pilgrimage.

The Vineyards landscapes of Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato

The region of Piedmont is famous for its wine-growing areas, where distinct wine is produced. In fact, the cultural landscape of Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato stretches over 10.000 hectares and it has been divided into six theme areas. Here, you will find some famous wine-producing areas, such as Langa del Barolo, the hills of Barbaresco, and the Nizza Monferrato.

The town of Ivrea

Since 2008, the town of Ivrea was included among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Its famous is linked to the Italian entrepreneur Olivetti, one of the main personalities of the Italian computer science sector. In fact, Ivrea is also known as the "ideal city for the Industrial revolution" thanks to those events.

The art of hunting horn players

Thanks to Accademia di Sant'Umberto, the musical art of hunting horn players has acquired big relevance and was listed among the UNESCO Cultural Intangible Heritage. After a big research regarding the French and Piedmont musical tradition, the academy managed to bring this practice back to life.

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September 29th, 2021