There were 21, now there are only ten. In recent days, the short list of candidate cities for the appointment of "Italian Capital of Culture 2018" was published, selected by a jury chaired by Professor Stefano Baia Curioni. Each candidate has presented projects of redevelopment and revitalisation to increase the attractiveness of tourism by promoting innovation and new technologies in the cultural and creative sectors. The winner will be announced on January 31 and will receive a prize of 1 million euro. Some people, like Vittorio Sgarbi, have strongly criticised the contest calling it a struggle without sense, which inevitably ends up detracting from those cities that will be discarded.
Meanwhile, let's see who the candidate cities are, all deserving, perhaps taking advantage of the next long weekend to schedule a visit if you still don’t not know them.
1 Alghero (Sardegna), focuses on a museum tour that goes from the new City Museum to the coral museum, up to the district of creativity dedicated to local crafts. It’s famous for its beautiful sea, mild climate and the kindness of its inhabitants.
2 Aquileia (Friuli Venezia Giulia) is located in a strategic location between the port and the hinterland. A city of art that deserves to be discovered, with assets still partially unknown to mass tourism.
3 Comacchio (Emilia-Romagna), called little Venice, in the province of Ferrara, is a unique reality in Italy. Famous for eels and the flamingos at Delta park, it is a valley where history and nature come together in harmony.
4 Erice (Sicilia), an ancient Phoenician City and a maze of cobbled streets and narrow passages so small that only one man may pass at a time. It is also rich in fortifications, ancient churches, convents and workshops where you can get lost finding a breathtaking panorama that opens up to the Egadi Islands.
5 Ercolano (Campania) relies entirely on Vesuvius and the archaeological ruins after two years of nominations were lost. It is hopeful that the redevelopment work recently undertaken will be crucial to its final score.
6 Montebelluna (Veneto) can boast of artistic treasures like the Neo-Gothic Cathedral, the ancient Church of Santa Maria in Colle with the fresco The Glory of Heaven and the Church of Saints Lucia and Victor.
7 Palermo (Sicilia) the capital need not need further introduction, suffice to say that in the case of a victory it will set up a metropolitan perimeter full of events that will impact the city of Cefalu, Monreale, Bagheria and Castelbuono
8 Recanati (Marche) known for Colle from which Giacomo Leopardi extolled the Infinite, is a city where the quality of life unites with the slow philosophy. The project enhances local experiences, dynamism and innovation of the area.
9 Settimo Torinese (Piemonte) The ancient village boasts of an environmentally sustainable development, artistic and social innovation in the cultural field and rich trails in industrial archeology and the manufacturing culture.
10 Trento (Trentino Alto Adige), a city of art that emerged in Roman times, also home to the university which makes it a dynamic place, young and full of events. Do not miss the Buonconsiglio Castle, the Cathedral of San Vigilio and the traditional tirolesi markets during the Christmas period.