Pordenone Named Italian Capital of Culture 2027

Pordenone, a city in Friuli Venezia Giulia, has been selected as the Italian Capital of Culture for 2027, winning a €1 million prize to implement its cultural program. The announcement was made by Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli at the Ministry of Culture in Rome, with the jury chaired by Davide Maria Desario. Pordenone's dossier, titled "Pordenone 2027. Città che sorprende," aims to rehabilitate a region rarely associated with cultural tourism. Mayor Alberto Parigi stated the city is ready to surprise Italy, highlighting its blend of culture and enterprise. The jury praised the dossier for its innovative and inclusive model, combining tradition and contemporaneity, with strong community involvement and a focus on youth. Ten cities were finalists: Alberobello, Aliano, Brindisi, Gallipoli, La Spezia, Pompei, Pordenone, Reggio Calabria, Sant'Andrea di Conza, and Savona. The initiative was established in 2014 by then-Minister Dario Franceschini following Matera's designation as European Capital of Culture 2019. Current Capital of Culture Agrigento has faced delays and controversies, and L'Aquila will hold the title in 2026, the same year Gibellina becomes the first Italian Capital of Contemporary Art. Desario noted the high quality of all projects and renewed an appeal for financial recognition for other finalists, with Giuli promising to maximize resources. All finalists can access the "Cantiere Città" project, now expanded with a Junior Edition.