The Cittaslow Charter
The Cittaslow Charter was signed on 15 October 1999 by Carlo Petrini, founder and chairman of Slow Food, and the mayors of the Italian towns of Bra, Greve in Chianti, Positano and Orvieto, which were the founders of Cittaslow.
The Charter identifies a Cittaslow town as one in which -
- A policy is in place to help maintain and develop the distinctiveness and characteristics of the town and the surrounding area. Regeneration and re-use are priorities, rather than modernisation and redevelopment for the sake of change.
- A policy on the built environment encourages enhancement of the area rather than development that is insensitive to history, tradition and the needs of people.
- Technologies that are aimed at improving the fabric of life and the facilities of the town are used in ways that embrace and enhance quality and tradition.
- Traditional local products that might be under threat are supported and promoted to ensure their continued existence for the enjoyment of future generations.
- Products - not just food and drink - which have roots in local culture and tradition and which help to differentiate the local area and make it unique are celebrated and safeguarded. Consumers are encouraged to support and buy from local artisan producers through markets, fairs and other activities that keep consumers in direct contact with makers and producers.
- High standards of hospitality are promoted making sure that visitors and local people are encouraged to make the most of all that the town and its hinterland has to offer.
- Everyone who works in, lives in or visits the town, and particularly young people, are encouraged to develop an awareness and understanding of quality of life and excellence in food, drink, conviviality and the value of their local traditions, products and production methods.
