Italy has demurred from submitting any candidates this year for Unesco World Heritage consideration.
It believes it is time for other countries to catch up.
“Italy is way out in front when it comes to the number of sites each country possesses and there needs to be more balance between nations,” according to the head of the country’s Unesco Commission, Francesco Bernabè.
Italy’s 51 recognised heritage spots are rivalled only by China with 48, Spain with 44 and France with 41.
This will be the first time in 16 years that no candidates were submitted, but the country is confident that it will not be surpassed.
“It's not a sporting competition, but I'm sure Italy will still stay top,” added Bernabè, responding to concerns that China could have the most Unesco sites by 2017.
Next year, Italy is planning to submit the medieval Piedmont town of Ivrea, not just for its beauty but also for its industrial heritage as the home of the electronics manufacturer, Olivetti.
Some 40 additional sites are already on Italy’s shortlist, such as the Roman highway the Appian Way.
