UNESCO Declares Italian Cuisine an Intangible Cultural Heritage

December 11, 2025

Italian Cuisine Becomes UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Discover how this celebration of taste comes to life in Cortina’s finest gastronomic traditions and in our exclusive luxury packages showcasing local cuisine and the high-end culinary artistry of Ampezzo.

Italian cuisine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Italian Cuisine Earns UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Status

A Recognition That Also Reflects the Culinary Soul of Cortina

Italy has achieved a new and prestigious milestone: Italian cuisine has officially been inscribed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This honor celebrates not only the quality of Italian ingredients and the incredible diversity of its landscapes, but also the cultural, social, and emotional significance embedded in the way Italians cook, gather, and share food.

The UNESCO dossier highlights the unique global value of Italian cuisine, rooted in:

Centuries-old traditions passed down through generations
Distinct cultural identities shaped by territories from the Apennines to the Dolomites
The ritual of food as a moment of connection, conviviality, and shared pleasure
An exceptional agri-food supply chain—symbol of Italy’s renowned craftsmanship

It is a living heritage expressed everywhere: from humble village trattorias to Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurants, perfectly balancing authenticity and creativity—two elements that define Italian cuisine worldwide.

This recognition resonates throughout the entire country and shines with particular intensity in Cortina d’Ampezzo, where the heritage of mountain cuisine meets the excellence of contemporary gourmet dining.

A Celebration of Taste in the Dolomites: Cortina’s Culinary Identity

In the heart of the UNESCO Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo preserves a rich gastronomic heritage that blends ancient recipes, authentic alpine flavors, and Ladin, Venetian, and Tyrolean influences. Local ingredients of the highest quality, elevated by modern interpretations from internationally renowned chefs, transform every dish into a refined, memorable dining experience—an invitation to savor the very best of alpine food and wine.

From hearty mountain soups to smoked meats, from the iconic casunziei rossi to artisanal desserts, Ampezzo cuisine offers a sensory journey through a place defined by warm hospitality, deep-rooted traditions, and timeless authenticity. These are experiences that truly reflect the intimate bond between Cortina and its culinary heritage.

Today, with UNESCO recognizing Italian cuisine, this tradition gains yet another reason to be celebrated—and rediscovered.

Experience the Culinary Excellence of Cortina d'Ampezzo and the Dolomites: An Invitation to Discover Italy’s Art of Taste—Where Tradition Meets Fine Dining

UNESCO’s recognition underscores what Italians have always known: food is culture, ritual, emotion, identity. In Cortina, these values are amplified by extraordinary landscapes and a gastronomic offering designed to satisfy even the most discerning palates.

If you wish to discover Cortina through its flavors—and experience Italian cuisine, now an official UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage—right in the heart of the Dolomites, explore our curated gourmet experiences:

Local Food Tastings & Culinary Trails: A journey into authentic Ampezzo flavors and traditional mountain products.
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Private Chef Experiences in an Alpine Chalet: An exclusive high-altitude dining experience crafted by professional Dolomites chefs.
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Wine & Gastronomy Tours: Perfect for travelers looking to combine nature, culture, and high-end cuisine.
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