UNESCO has inscribed Italian opera singing on its World Heritage list.

The esteemed art form of Italian opera singing, which blends music and costume drama across four centuries, gained recognition when it was included in the United Nations' cultural heritage list. Opera has been added to the list of recognized Italian customs under the UN cultural body UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage category, which also includes pizza-making. This announcement was made on Wednesday. Italian opera began to take shape at the Medici family court in Florence in the late 1500s and early 1600s. Usually, it features complex storylines, lavish sets, and great singing. Hours before it was formally announced, Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano praised the UNESCO decision.