Opera gets the nod over coffee as Italy's Unesco intangible heritage candidate

A view shows the Teatro San Carlo in Naples, Italy. From Scarlatti to Verdi, the great arias of Italian opera are famous all over the world, an art that was born towards the end of the 16th century on the peninsula and which Italy hopes will be recognised by Unesco as intangible heritage of humanity. Photo: AFP

Opera originated in Italy, it was sung by Italian patriots and some of the world's greatest arias came from the peninsula.

Now Rome wants credit where credit is due.