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Ivrea Industrial City Inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site

cultural-heritage · 2026-05-04

Ivrea, an industrial city from the 20th century located in Piedmont, Italy, has been designated as Italy's 54th UNESCO World Heritage site. This announcement was made during the 42nd session of the World Heritage Committee in Manama, Bahrain, which continues until July 4, 2018. Italian Minister of Cultural Heritage Alberto Bonisoli highlighted the honor, emphasizing the humanistic work principles of Adriano Olivetti and the Comunità movement. The nomination was put forward in January 2017 by various local organizations, with coordination from the MiBACT UNESCO Office. Established in 1908 by Camillo Olivetti, Ivrea flourished under Adriano Olivetti, particularly between the 1930s and 1960s, covering an area of 70,000 hectares that includes 27 structures such as factories and schools.

Key facts

  • Ivrea is the 54th UNESCO World Heritage site in Italy.
  • The inscription was announced at the 42nd World Heritage Committee session in Manama, Bahrain, concluding July 4, 2018.
  • The candidacy was submitted in January 2017 by the Municipality of Ivrea, Adriano Olivetti Foundation, Guelpa Foundation, Piedmont Region, Metropolitan City of Turin, and Municipality of Banchette.
  • Adriano Olivetti developed the humanistic concept of labor integrating social and cultural ideals into industrial architecture.
  • The city was founded in 1908 by Camillo Olivetti and developed mainly between the 1930s and 1960s.
  • Architects involved include Marcello Nizzoli, Annibale Fiocchi, Gian Antonio Bernasconi, Pietro Porcinai, Luigi Figini, and Gino Pollini.
  • The site covers 70,000 hectares with 27 buildings and complexes including factories, offices, residences, and community services.
  • Adriano Olivetti died in 1960, halting the full realization of the project.

Entities

Artists

  • Adriano Olivetti
  • Camillo Olivetti
  • Marcello Nizzoli
  • Annibale Fiocchi
  • Gian Antonio Bernasconi
  • Pietro Porcinai
  • Luigi Figini
  • Gino Pollini
  • Giuseppe Beccio

Institutions

  • UNESCO
  • World Heritage Committee
  • MiBACT
  • Municipality of Ivrea
  • Adriano Olivetti Foundation
  • Guelpa Foundation
  • Piedmont Region
  • Metropolitan City of Turin
  • Municipality of Banchette
  • Olivetti

Locations

  • Ivrea
  • Piedmont
  • Italy
  • Manama
  • Bahrain
  • Banchette
  • Turin
  • Aigle

Sources