Sarzana to implement cultural plan despite losing 2028 Italian Capital of Culture bid

Sarzana, a Ligurian city, lost the Italian Capital of Culture 2028 title to Ancona but will proceed with its strategic cultural plan for 2026-2028. The project, named 'L'Impavida,' redefines culture as a permanent infrastructure integrating urban planning, tourism, welfare, and economic development. It emerged from a decade-long process and will be realized with support from the national program 'Cantiere Città,' promoted by the Ministry of Culture and the Fondazione Scuola dei beni e delle attività culturali. The plan operates on three levels: heritage as an active device, community participation through co-design with associations and citizens, and knowledge diffusion linking education, innovation, and cultural production. Culture is also leveraged economically through Made in Italy, linking local craftsmanship and small enterprises, and through slow tourism to create longer stays and balanced territorial impact. Territorial networks like Area Ligure Apuana and the axis with Pietrasanta are strengthened. The Scientific Committee from the candidacy remains active as a permanent advisory body. Communication is reorganized across institutional, tourist, and cultural levels for a coherent narrative between physical and digital spaces.