FAI ( Fondo Ambiente Italiano), Italy's national trust organization, has published the results of its latest yearly public opinion poll, “I Luoghi del Cuore” (Places of the Heart) concerning neglected monuments, historic sites and beauty spots that should be saved, restored and revalued.
Over 2.3 million citizens voted in this edition, putting forward a total of 39,500 “Places of the Heart”. The top ten favourite treasures netting the most votes will take on a new lease of life, thanks to the publicity and care they will receive as a result of the poll.
This year's No. 1 winner, with a total 75,586 votes, was the 200 year old rail track linking Cuneo-Ventimiglia-Nice, known as the “Railway Line of Marvels” that travels the scenic route through the Maritime Alps and the Roya Valley, climbing over a thousand meters from the Mediterranean Sea up to the Col di Tende Pass.
Referred to as “one of the most beautiful train runs in the world”, the line had practically fallen into disuse. Thanks to the efforts of FAI it will now enjoy a revival and be promoted as a tourist attraction.
Second winner (with just under 62,700 votes) was the spectacular Moorish-style Castle of Sammezzano, 30 kms from Florence. It's Arabian Nights design was created by the quixotic nobleman Ximmenes D'Aragona in 1605. Number three was the majestic Castle of Brescia, one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Italy.
The full list of winners can be seen on the FAI website:
