Slowdown in Italy's 'Slow Cities'

R O M E, July 25 -- Some people just can’t stand life in the fast lane.

Those searching for a tranquil dolce vita will now be able to find it in Italy, thanks to “Citta Slow” or “Slow City” — a recently launched project focused on preserving the traditional and distinctive quality of life enjoyed in some of Italy’s smaller cities and towns.

“The American urban model has invaded our cities and risks making Italian towns look the same. We want to stop this kind of globalization,” says Paolo Saturnini, mayor of the Tuscan city of Greve in Chianti.

The “Slow City” project plans to emphasize the rich, cultural, culinary and artistic local traditions of each community.

Pedestrian areas will be enlarged and squares and parks will be made greener with more plants. Car alarms and other noise that disturbs the peace will be banned, and ugly TV aerials, advertising posters, and neon signs will be taken down.

City councils will also insist on the use of recycling and renewable energy sources, and will also introduce ecological transport systems. Parking will be made stress-free by creating more public parking areas, and easily accessible walkways and dedicated bike lanes will cross the city.

But in the “Slow City” way, all improvements will probably come about s-l-o-w-l-y.

Slow Food, Slow Life

The project was born from the idea of the “Slow Food” movement — started in Italy in the 1980s — which promotes leisurely eating and the growing of local, wholesome products to counter the American fast-food onslaught.

Thirty-two Italian city councils, which initially joined the “Slow City” program, have vowed to take further steps in this direction by increasing the numbers of traditional family-style eating establishments, reducing noise pollution, and concentrating on making their towns more relaxing and people-friendly. (see list right of “Slow Cities”)