The reason for publishing and issuing Guidelines for evaluation and mitigation of seismic risk to cultural heritage before its formal adoption was the will of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities. Already approved by the Supreme Board of Public Works, the hope is that its circulation will stimulate an open debate regarding its cultural significance. Even before the administrative provisions and practical guidelines are issued for orienting the complex problems of structural safety of monuments and works of art situated in zones with high seismic risk in Italy, which now includes most of the national territory, the Guidelines have created an in-depth scientific and technical reflection appropriately aimed at restoration of this heritage.