Pordenone will be the Italian Capital of Culture in 2027, Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli announced at a ceremony in Rome on Wednesday. The jury assigned the honour to the Friuli-Venezia Giulia city.
Pordenone defeated nine other candidates to take the title. They were: Alberobello (Puglia), Aliano (Basilicata), Brindisi (Puglia), Gallipoli (Puglia), La Spezia (Liguria), Pompei (Campania), Reggio Calabria (Calabria), Sant’Andrea di Conza (Campania), and Savona (Liguria).
“The jury has turned a spotlight on the far northeast, putting us back in the right sphere,” said Mayor Alberto Parigi. “Finally, we will no longer be known just as the city of military barracks, where tens of thousands did their compulsory service. Ours is not just a community focused on making money. It also knows how to combine economy and culture with extraordinary vitality.”
Pordenone’s bid highlighted key cultural elements, including the Pordenonelegge literary festival, Le Giornate del Cinema Muto silent-film festival, and the Palazzo del Fumetto comics museum.
The jury praised Pordenone’s proposal, ‘Pordenone 2027: City That Surprises’. It promotes “innovative and inclusive cultural valorisation, blending tradition and modernity.” The jury also highlighted its focus on young people, not just as cultural consumers but as active creators.
Agrigento, in Sicily, holds the title for 2025, while L’Aquila, in Abruzzo, will take over in 2026.
Deputy Mayor Alberto Parigi expressed excitement. “We are ready to surprise Italy. We want Pordenone to fully express this title. Our city and region unite culture and business, bridging the gap between cultural and entrepreneurial centres. We are open to collaboration.”
This recognition follows the selection of Nova Gorica and Gorizia as the 2025 European Capital of Cross-border Culture.
Candidates pledge to continue with their projects
Pompei’s failure to secure the title was met with disappointment. “Our project does not stop here. We continue with the same enthusiasm,” said Mayor Lo Sapio. “We have a planned budget of over €4 million for 2027 event management and preliminary activities from November next year. Total investments will reach €36 million, with executive projects already in progress.”
Mayors from the other candidate cities also pledged to continue their projects. Jury president Davide Maria Desario proposed that Minister Giuli find ways to provide economic and moral recognition to all finalists. Giuli agreed. “We must make every effort to ensure this happens with greater resource commitment.”
Giuli also stressed the importance of dialogue. “This event is a model of collaboration. All finalists can access Cantiere Città, which preserves and enhances proposed projects. This year, we launched the Junior edition, allowing young people to engage in cultural visits. Città Capitale is evolving beyond its original scope.”
Federico Mollicone, president of the Chamber’s Culture Commission, congratulated all candidates. “Best wishes to Pordenone’s administration, which embodies the union of historical heritage and contemporary art.”
Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè highlighted the opportunity for tourism. Friuli Venezia Giulia’s governor, Massimiliano Fedriga, also praised the recognition. “This proves Friuli Venezia Giulia’s significance at national and international levels.”
