Ancona has been selected as Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2028, Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli announced on Wednesday.
The Adriatic port city, capital of the Marche region, will receive one million euros in public funding to support a year-long programme of cultural events, exhibitions and initiatives. The designation is part of a national scheme aimed at promoting local heritage, boosting tourism and encouraging urban regeneration through culture.
Ancona’s successful bid focused on its identity as a historic gateway between Italy and the eastern Mediterranean, as well as its layered cultural history. Founded by Greek settlers and later developed under Roman rule, the city retains significant archaeological and architectural landmarks, including the Arch of Trajan and the Roman amphitheatre, alongside a strong maritime tradition.
The Italian Capital of Culture programme, launched in 2014, has become a key tool for regional development. Previous host cities have used the title to attract investment, increase visitor numbers and expand cultural infrastructure. The funding allocated is intended to support both large-scale events and community-led projects, with an emphasis on long-term impact.
The announcement places Ancona in a line of recent and upcoming culture capitals. L’Aquila holds the title for 2026, continuing its post-earthquake cultural revival, while Pordenone will take on the role in 2027.
Officials said Ancona’s programme will aim to strengthen connections between culture, innovation and the sea, reflecting both its geographic position and economic profile. The city is expected to collaborate with regional institutions, universities and cultural organisations to deliver a diverse calendar of activities.
The selection also highlights the growing role of mid-sized cities in Italy’s cultural strategy. Rather than focusing solely on established destinations, the initiative seeks to distribute cultural investment more evenly across the country, bringing attention to areas that are less prominent on the international tourism map.
