Abstract

The Italian legislation on cultural heritage protection has long been characterized by a focus point to the individual objects of cultural interest, neglecting the complex relationships existing between the assets and their environment. The article, starting from the tendency of the international community to adopt an integrated approach to cultural heritage, traces the openings of the Italian legislation towards considering the impact of the environment on cultural heritage. Finally, the "landscape plan" is proposed as a vehicle for such integrated approach, which is currently being upgraded within the Code of cultural heritage and landscape.