Val d'Orcia

The Extra-urban Cultural District: An Emerging Local Production System: Three Italian Case Studies

Research identifies three key levers—cultural heritage, natural amenities, and local governance—that drive the success of extra-urban cultural districts (E-UCDs). Unlike urban clusters, E-UCDs thrive by leveraging rural landscapes and traditions, offering a model for sustainable development. The study analyzes three Italian case studies: Cinque Terre, Val d'Orcia, and Ravello, combining theoretical frameworks with empirical data to demonstrate how these levers interact in practice. Findings highlight the potential of E-UCDs as tools for rural revitalization, bridging cultural valorization with economic growth.