On 19 September 2023, UNESCO elevated the Triassic gypsum of the Secchia Valley (between Villa Minozzo, Castelnovo Monti and Ventasso) and the Messina plasters of the Reggio Emilia hill to World Heritage Sites. The gypsum originated in the upper Trias, thanks to the precipitation and accumulation of salts in the environments of the marine lagoon following intense periods of evaporation in hot climates, forming the rare evaporites. The latter, present in only 1% of the Italian territory, shine in shades ranging from white, light gray, orange or pink, have spectacular crystal formations and incorporate different types of rocks, including limestone and dark dolomite. Their intricate layering tells a story of millennial tectonic movements. The gypsum create a very suggestive landscape, with underground and superficial karst phenomena, such as sinkholes, closed basins and caves. This combination of scenic beauty, geodiversity and biodiversity has earned UNESCO’s global attention, in a global context where experts and representatives of different nations have come together to celebrate these natural treasures.