"We welcome with pride and satisfaction the decision of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee to inscribe the condominium theatres of central Italy on the World Heritage List. This recognition celebrates the outstanding universal value of these architectural gems, which have been, for over two centuries, vital centres of cultural enjoyment, identity and social cohesion for the communities that safeguard them. The condominium theatres are a quintessentially Italian cultural infrastructure that, in an innovative way, has allowed generations of citizens in villages and small towns of central Italy to enjoy Opera, classical music and other forms of live performance. Their inscription on the World Heritage List rewards the initiative promoted by the President of the Marche Region, Francesco Acquaroli, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, which will support the entire national network of condominium theatres in the enhancement process launched with the UNESCO nomination."

The new recognition brings to 62 the number of Italian sites inscribed on the UNESCO List, consolidating Italy's primacy in terms of the number of recognised heritage sites.

The Italian-style condominium theatres represent a unique phenomenon in the history of architecture and of theatre as a social and cultural institution. Born from the direct participation of citizens, who shared their ownership, management and use, they have contributed significantly to the development of cultural and social life across the territories. This is a widespread heritage, composed of buildings of particular elegance and a civic tradition that has made the theatre an element of identity for communities.

The nomination was promoted by the Marche Region, with the coordination and technical-scientific support of the Ministry of Culture, through the Directorate General for European and International Affairs, UNESCO Service. The regions of Umbria and Emilia-Romagna also participated in the nomination activities, together with numerous local authorities, starting with the municipalities, and local organisations of central Italy, where this theatrical system has seen its widest diffusion. The nomination also benefited from the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, which managed relations with UNESCO.

The following is the list of inscribed theatres:

1. Teatro Angelo Mariani, Sant'Agata Feltria.

2. Teatro Pergolesi, Jesi.

3. Teatro Ventidio Basso, Ascoli Piceno.

4. Teatro Serpente Aureo, Offida.

5. Teatro dell'Aquila, Fermo.

6. Teatro Lauro Rossi, Macerata.

7. Teatro Feronia, San Severino Marche.

8. Teatro Gentile da Fabriano, Fabriano.

9. Teatro Bramante, Urbania.

10. Teatro Nuovo Gian Carlo Menotti, Spoleto.

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