Laws on the Use of the Public Space for Heritage Purposes

This study reveals that public spaces, while often considered under the 1972 UNESCO Convention for their 'outstanding universal value,' derive cultural significance not from inherent attributes but from intangible beliefs and practices associated with them. Unlike tangible heritage sites, which rely on physical features, intangible cultural heritage (ICH) thrives on dynamic social uses and legal frameworks that shape its meaning. The research applies ICH concepts to World Heritage contexts, using Verona as a case study—a city inscribed under the 1972 Convention while also serving as a spatial component for Tocatì, an intangible heritage program safeguarding traditional games. Through anthropological analysis, the study examines how laws governing public space interact with social practices, offering insights into the intersection of legal instruments and cultural preservation.

Zingari, V. L., Long, W., & Ubertazzi, B. (2024). Laws on the Use of the Public Space for Heritage Purposes. The Routledge Handbook of Heritage and the Law, 263–278. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003149392-21