The Val d’Orcia was registered by the World Heritage Committee in the list of UNESCO sites as a cultural landscape in 2004 based on the following criteria:
Criteria (IV)
The Val d’Orcia is an exceptional example of the redesigning of pre-Renaissance landscape, testifying to the ideals of good governance and the aesthetic research that guided its conception.
Criteria (VI)
Celebrated by painters of the Siennese School, the Val d’Orcia became an icon of the landscape that deeply influenced the development of landscape perception.
Being recognised as a UNESCO site is a great honour, but brings with it some important responsibilities required to guarantee this recognition.
The main requirement is to conserve the area for future generations, guaranteeing protection while also valorising the tradition and culture of the places.
Every day, the Councils within the Val d’Orcia Park of Art, Nature and Culture continue to fulfil their commitment with small activities, constantly growing with the land, in the full awareness of the great legacy they have to preserve.