Abstract

This article aims to establish a framework for a legal classification of “historic villagesµ, grounded in the cultural heritage protection and enhancement functions. It begins by addressing the necessity of providing a normative definition of historic village, which reveals to be a crucial step for investigating the cultural value of these territories. Defining the dimensions and values of this cultural interest is not only essential for determining if (and why) these areas are worthy of special legislative protection, but also instrumental in outlining the tools, procedures, and actors involved in implementing the protection and enhancement functions. The article further analyses the material and immaterial cultural dimensions of historic villages, in addition to their possible protection as landscape assets.