Abstract

The paper summarizes the role played by the legal institution named fedecommesso in the protection of art collections, from its Roman origins to the annexation of Rome and of the Roman provinces to the Kingdom of Italy. In particular, it highlights the contribution that this juridical figure has made to the progressive maturation of the idea of public interest of the most important private noble collections. Finally, it contains some indications on the main private legal instruments available today to ensure the conservation and enhancement of private collections.