Italy has begun the candidacy process to have the Via Appia Antica inserted in the Unesco World Heritage List, the Italian culture ministry announced on Thursday. The bid for Unesco recognition refers to the full route of the Appian Way, from Rome to Brindisi in south-east Italy, and including the Via Traiana, built by Emperor Trajan as an extension of the ancient Roman road from Beneveneto to Brindisi.

"The Appian Way is an itinerary to be enhanced and placed at the centre of slow tourism to strengthen the offer of new attractions such as sustainable walkways and routes", stated culture minister Dario Franceschini, who said the move would be fundamental for cultural development and heritage protection.