Italian Law 180: the enduring principles it represents and the community of Arezzo.

This work reconstructs the atmosphere that developed in the city of Arezzo with the approval and application of Italian Law 180. A detailed description of the events, which saw this mediumsized community involved in what was to become an example for mental health policy, helps to illustrate the values underlying Italian Law 180. This endeavour was at once a scientific, cultural and political project making Italian Law 180 an undeniable part of Italian national heritage.