The walk to Dario Franceschini's office is in itself testament to Italy's vast heritage. Past countless paintings lining the corridors of the culture ministry, he sits dwarfed by high walls adorned with books. In any other capital, such a scene might seem as if it were put on for guests, but in Rome it feels more as if Italy has simply run out of space.

The adjacent meeting room is yet another library, while the ministry's Sala della Crociera hosts centuries of volumes on archaeology and art. Italy boasts more Unesco world heritage sites than any other country; a fact that brings huge national pride, but also a burden.

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Source: http://www.theguardian.com/