This short article describes the historical discussions regarding the definition of cultural genocide and the failed attempts to introduce it as a distinct crime under international law. Though the protection of cultural heritage has been included in several international regulations and it is now under the jurisdiction of many institutions, the lack of a specific identification of cultural genocide as a crime against humanity represents a subject of interest for international jurists. The relevance of such an accomplishment is today discussed as possible solution to the widespread necessity to prevent all threat posed to cultural heritage.