Systems integration

When inscribing the serial site "The Longobards in Italy: Places of the Power (568–774 AD)"—which encompasses the most distinguished monuments of Lombard art—on the World Heritage List, UNESCO authoritatively confirmed the immense significance of Longobard civilization within the European context. This civilization left its mark not only on the subsequent Carolingian era—thanks to the presence of Longobard scholars and aristocrats within the new empire’s state apparatus and ecclesiastical organization—but also continued to exercise direct and virtually autonomous power through its principalities in Southern Italy until 1076, the year Salerno was conquered by the rising Norman power.

A key aspect of the UNESCO recognition is, first and foremost, the extraordinary proactive role played by the Longobards "in the development and dissemination of significant cultural, artistic, political, and religious influences, which left deep and lasting marks not only on the subsequent Carolingian era but also on the following thousand years of European history."

Furthermore, UNESCO has highlighted the value of the "fundamental cultural synthesis that the Longobards achieved—blending their own values ​​and traditions and those of the peoples encountered during their long migration with the values ​​and traditions of classical, Romano-Byzantine-Christian civilization—which resulted in the creation of a new and original civilization destined to have a profound impact, through the Carolingian expansion, on the subsequent thousand years of European history." Such is the nature and significance of this "primary root of European Culture, later developed by the Carolingians."

Complementing the values ​​upheld by UNESCO, this Cultural Route highlights other European sites associated with the "Gens Langobardorum" during their epochal journey—spanning from the North Sea to Central-Eastern Europe, and reaching the Italian peninsula and its Mediterranean shores. These territories preserve not only the "unique and exceptional" monumental masterpieces of the UNESCO serial site but also a widespread heritage of archaeological artifacts housed in prestigious European museums, alongside rare period documents kept in distinguished historical archives. This legacy is further enriched by great monasteries and cave sanctuaries—most notably the shrine of Monte Sant’Angelo on the Gargano, a focal point for the spread of a cult that extended across Europe. There is also a dense network of religious buildings, castles, and fortified sites; these are complemented by extraordinary natural landscapes and vistas that—in their current state of preservation and protection—serve as the backdrop for one of Europe’s most remarkable historical experiences.

The "Longobard Ways across Europe" Route ultimately represents a striking example of the integration between UNESCO criteria and the standards established by the Council of Europe for its recognized cultural routes. It is a highlight of cultural tourism, a "must" for educational travel, and an exceptional platform for new, in-depth scientific and technological research.