The “Slow City” Movement: Prioritizing Quality of Life Over Pace

​The Cittaslow movement, a global network dedicated to improving the quality of life in small towns by embracing a slower, more sustainable pace, originated in Italy in 1999 as an extension of the Slow Food philosophy. The name, a blend of the Italian città (city) and the English “slow,” encapsulates its mission: to counteract the negative impacts of a fast-paced, homogenized urban lifestyle. Founded by four pioneering Italian towns—Greve in Chianti, Bra, Orvieto, and Positano—the movement has since grown into an international organization with over 170 member towns in 27 countries. Cittaslow’s core goal is to promote a harmonious environment where local culture, tradition, and community connection thrive, viewing small towns as the essential “backbone” of national identity, as recently highlighted in a meeting between the Italian Tourism Minister and member mayors.Membership in the Cittaslow network signifies a commitment to a rigorous set of 72 criteria spanning seven macro-categories, ensuring a holistic approach to sustainable urban governance. Towns must have a population under 50,000 and successfully meet at least 50% of the requirements, including criteria from each category. These pillars of ‘slow living’ focus intensely on environmental policies (like waste management and reduced energy consumption), infrastructure policies (promoting alternative transport and accessibility), and urban quality of life (restoring historic centers and developing green spaces). Crucially, the movement preserves local identity by emphasizing agricultural, touristic, and artisan policies, supporting local markets, prohibiting GMOs, and safeguarding traditional crafts against the pressures of standardization.Adopting the ‘slow city’ model yields tangible benefits, creating a framework for sustainable development and enhancing a town’s reputation. The official label differentiates member towns, often leading to increased tourism and related economic activity, which supports local entrepreneurs and artisans. Beyond the economic boost, the movement places a high value on social cohesion, working to improve social inclusion and the integration of minorities and people with disabilities within the community. By combining traditional lifestyles with modern needs—such as using e-services alongside local markets—Cittaslow towns strive to balance modernity and tradition, fostering a stronger sense of local identity and encouraging active civic participation among residents.