(ANSA) Rome, May 27 - The bid by the scenic town of Civita da Bagnoregio to be listed as a UNESCO world heritage site is a 'solid candidature,' Giovanni Puglisi, president of the Italian National Committee for UNESCO, said Wednesday.
"Civita da Bagnoregio's candidature as a Unesco world heritage site, launched by the president of the Lazio region, Nicola Zingaretti, and the mayor of the city, Francesco Ghigliotti, is a solid one and has all it takes to pass the phases of the application and obtain this prestigious recognition," Puglisi said.
Perched on top of a hill among the valleys formed by the Chiaro and Torbido rivers, Civita appears to cling to the edge of a cliff.
A constellation of writers, politicians and intellectuals have joined the campaign supporting Civita's campaign - aimed at preserving it from mounting structural damage - including President Emeritus Giorgio Napolitano, film director Bernardo Bertolucci, writer Andrea Camilleri and nobel-prizewinning playwright and actor Dario Fo.
Zingaretti welcomed Puglisi's comments, saying "his words are very important and they encourage us to go forward with great determination".
Civita di Bagnoregio world heritage bid 'solid' - UNESCO
Italy committee nurtures hope for town's campaign