International Press: Vokrug Sveta explores the "Slow Life" in Orvieto and Greve in Chianti

A journey through the cradle of Cittaslow, where the orange snail becomes a symbol of quality, identity, and the art of living.

The philosophy of the "Slow City" continues to capture the imagination of travelers worldwide. Recently, the renowned Russian travel and geography magazine, Vokrug Sveta (Around the World), dedicated an extensive feature to the roots of our movement, titled "Crawl, snail...: how the Italian towns of Orvieto and Greve in Chianti learned to live slowly and with pleasure."

The article takes readers on a journey through the heart of Italy, searching for the antidote to the frenetic pace of modern globalization. The correspondent describes the ubiquitous symbol of the movement—the orange snail carrying a town on its shell—spotted on the doors of taverns, bakeries, and workshops across Orvieto and Greve in Chianti.

Orvieto: Quality over Speed In Orvieto, the headquarters of Cittaslow, the magazine highlights how the town’s Etruscan and Medieval heritage blends seamlessly with the modern need for a sustainable pace of life. The piece features local voices, such as tavern owner Pericle Tilli, who perfectly encapsulates the movement's spirit: "A slow city does not mean a sleeping city, but rather one that has refused the bustle. For us, what matters is not the speed of life, but its quality, the preservation of urban culture, and hospitality."

The article notes that this atmosphere has historically attracted thinkers and artists, including Sigmund Freud, who was captivated by the town’s measured rhythm and the masterpieces in the Cathedral.

Greve in Chianti: Preserving Identity Moving to Tuscany, the feature explores Greve in Chianti, one of the founding cities of the association in 1999. Giulio Saturnini, son of the former mayor Paolo Saturnini (a key figure in the birth of Cittaslow), explains the movement's origins to the Russian audience. He describes the founding of Cittaslow as a necessary act to save the territory from the destructive influence of standardized modern life and to give local producers a fighting chance.

From the revitalization of the Florentine iris production to the world-famous Chianti Classico wine, the article illustrates how "looking to the past" is not about nostalgia, but about reclaiming traditional values—local cuisine, culture, and community rhythms—to build a viable future.

A Global Message The Vokrug Sveta reportage concludes that the popularity of the "Slow City" movement is a testament to a universal desire. Whether it is an artisan olive oil shop in Umbria or a bustling market square in Tuscany, the message is clear: stopping to enjoy the moment is not a luxury, but a way of life.

As the article beautifully summarizes, in these Italian towns, the snail is not just a logo; it is a promise that "if you go slowly, you go further."

[Link to original article in Vokrug Sveta]