The Philosophy of the Cittaslow Movement


1. Why be Cittaslow? : Human Happiness Movement

On 15th October 1999 in Orvieto, cittaslow was initiated by the enlightened mayors of four Italian towns to strive for "la dolce vita (sweet life)." Based on the Slow Food and the Slow movement, the cittaslow logo is of a little snail carrying towns on its back, symbolizing slowness. The cittaslow movement seeks the real development of communities by finding out our ancient future. It promotes the economy as well as protects nature and traditional cultures of our communities in order to make the communities more humane and their residents happier. The mission of cittaslow International is "an international network of cities where living is easy", which is promoting the quality of life perse. The cittaslow movement’s guideline is to protect the natural ecology of our communities, be proud of our traditional culture, conserve local products & handicrafts, and increase community engagement by resident-centered authenticity. It requires us to think globally and act locally - glocalisation.


2. Succession of the Community Spirit : Philosophy

Cittaslows aim to follow the spirit of their communities in modern life. Born under the initiative of Paolo Saturnini, former mayor of Greve in Chianti and the mayors of four Italian towns, the cittaslow movement is associated with Slow Food. It looks for the best possibilities for the present and future. Slow Food is dedicated to defending biodiversity, expanding taste education, and linking producers and co-producers to fair trade. While cittaslow activities are often initially perceived to be at odds with the fast-paced modern life, the movement has since 1999 successfully spread across 16 countries with 116 cittaslow national networks as of March 2009. Cittaslows engage public officials, residents, and Slow Food members in their projects regarding to the quality of local products, sustainability, hospitality and social welfare services. For the quality of life of communities, cittaslows promote local agriculture and support ethical consumers, and they utilize the best aspects of globalization without sacrificing local authentic culture.

The Philosophy of the Cittaslow Movement

1. Why be Cittaslow? : Human Happiness Movement

On 15th October 1999 in Orvieto, cittaslow was initiated by the enlightened mayors of four Italian towns to strive for "la dolce vita (sweet life)." Based on the Slow Food and the Slow movement, the cittaslow logo is of a little snail carrying towns on its back, symbolizing slowness. The cittaslow movement seeks the real development of communities by finding out our ancient future. It promotes the economy as well as protects nature and traditional cultures of our communities in order to make the communities more humane and their residents happier. The mission of cittaslow International is "an international network of cities where living is easy", which is promoting the quality of life perse. The cittaslow movement’s guideline is to protect the natural ecology of our communities, be proud of our traditional culture, conserve local products & handicrafts, and increase community engagement by resident-centered authenticity. It requires us to think globally and act locally - glocalisation.

2. Succession of the Community Spirit : Philosophy

Cittaslows aim to follow the spirit of their communities in modern life. Born under the initiative of Paolo Saturnini, former mayor of Greve in Chianti and the mayors of four Italian towns, the cittaslow movement is associated with Slow Food. It looks for the best possibilities for the present and future. Slow Food is dedicated to defending biodiversity, expanding taste education, and linking producers and co-producers to fair trade. While cittaslow activities are often initially perceived to be at odds with the fast-paced modern life, the movement has since 1999 successfully spread across 16 countries with 116 cittaslow national networks as of March 2009. Cittaslows engage public officials, residents, and Slow Food members in their projects regarding to the quality of local products, sustainability, hospitality and social welfare services. For the quality of life of communities, cittaslows promote local agriculture and support ethical consumers, and they utilize the best aspects of globalization without sacrificing local authentic culture.