Appian Way towns left off UNESCO list express grievances

The recent addition of the Via Appia to UNESCO's World Heritage List has sparked disappointment among several towns in Italy, particularly Cisterna di Latina, which were excluded from the designation. Maria Innamorato, the deputy mayor of Cisterna, expressed her shock upon learning that her town, which is bisected by the ancient road, was not included despite efforts to demonstrate its historical significance. This exclusion has left local officials and residents puzzled, as they were hopeful that the recognition would boost tourism and provide economic benefits. Three sections of the Appian Way were overlooked by the International Council on Monuments and Sites, which evaluates candidates for the heritage list. The towns affected had invested considerable time and resources in preparing their applications, only to be informed of their exclusion without a clear explanation. The disappointment is compounded by the fact that these towns had anticipated a surge in visitors and financial support that would come with UNESCO recognition. Gennaro Sangiuliano, Italy's culture minister, acknowledged the situation, revealing that the Italian government did not contest the decision to omit certain areas from the heritage list. This lack of advocacy has further fueled grievances among local officials, who feel abandoned by their national representatives. The towns along the Appian Way are now left grappling with the implications of this oversight, as their aspirations for increased tourism and economic revitalization have been dashed. As a result, the towns are calling for greater attention and support from both national and international bodies to ensure their historical and cultural significance is recognized. The exclusion from the UNESCO list not only affects local pride but also poses challenges for future development and preservation efforts in these historically rich areas.