The Historic Centre of Florence, enclosed by a circle of avenues traced over the old medieval city walls, was inscribed in the World Heritage List in 1982 during the sixth session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee according to the following motivations defined by ICOMOS:

"a unique artistic realization, a chef-d'oevre absolute, the fruit of a continuous creation over more than six centuries" (Criterion I), able to exert "a predominate influence on the development of architecture and the monumental arts - first in Italy, and then throughout Europe" (Criterion II), the Historic Centre of Florence has preserved "entire streets, fortified palaces (...), loggie, fountains, a marvellous bridge of the 14th century" (Criterion III), attaining "economic and political power in Europe from the 14th to the 17th century" (Criterion IV), and is associated with "events of a universal importance. It was in the milieu of the Neo-platonic Academia that the concept of the Renaissance was forged" (Criterion VI).

The obligation to conserve and develop the immeasurable heritage of the city has led to the creation of an appointed institution within the Department of Culture of the Municipality of Florence, the Historic Centre Bureau - UNESCO World Heritage, as well as to the formulation and implementation of a Management Plan.

On this website you will find information on the activities and projects of the Bureau which are designed to develop the territory as well as to spread the knowledge of the exceptional value of the site