# Italian FAI “Luogo del Cuore” heritage contest

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/italian-fai-luogo-del-cuore-heritage-contest
> Updated: 2026-07-31T07:27:22.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

In late July 2026 the Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano (FAI) continued its biennial “Luogo del Cuore” census, a nationwide vote to identify cultural and natural sites that will receive restoration grants. The provisional ranking showed the karstic Lame di Puglia leading the poll, followed by the Grotte rupestri di Verzino and the Convento di Renacavata, with voting open until mid‑December.

A week later, the historic Sedil Dominova in Sorrento announced its candidacy for the same competition. The 14th‑century building, noted for its medieval pillars, Renaissance cornice and 18th‑century frescoes, seeks at least 4,000 votes to qualify for funding that would support further conservation of its deteriorating artworks. Both snapshots illustrate the ongoing process of public voting, ranking, and funding allocation within Italy’s “Luogo del Cuore” program.

## Timeline

### 2026-07-31: Sedil Dominova in Sorrento enters FAI 'Luogo del Cuore' heritage contest

Sedil Dominova in Sorrento seeks the “Luogo del Cuore FAI” title, needing 4,000 votes to obtain funding for preserving its 14th‑century structure and fragile frescoes.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sedil-dominova-in-sorrento-enters-fai-luogo-del-cuore-heritage-contest

### 2026-07-23: Lame di Puglia tops FAI “Luoghi del cuore” 13th census ranking

FAI’s 13th “Luoghi del cuore” census shows Lame di Puglia leading, Verzino caves second, Renacavata convent third; 350 000 votes cast, top three may receive €70‑50 k grants, voting ends 15 Dec.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fai-luoghi-del-cuore-voting-puts-teramo-third-as-siracusa-sites-rank-high

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Cite as: Italian FAI “Luogo del Cuore” heritage contest. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/italian-fai-luogo-del-cuore-heritage-contest