Ancona Named Italian Capital of Culture 2028
The city of Ancona has been officially designated Italian Capital of Culture 2028, a prestigious national title awarded annually by the Italian Ministry of Culture to promote cultural development, innovation, and territorial regeneration across the country.
The recognition follows a competitive selection process involving several candidate cities and is accompanied by significant national visibility and funding aimed at supporting cultural projects and long-term urban transformation.
An Award Recognizing Vision and Openness
According to the evaluation committee, Ancona’s proposal was deemed “excellent”, standing out for its broad and contemporary vision of culture. The winning dossier highlights the city’s strong identity as a bridge between the Adriatic, the Mediterranean, and Europe, as well as its historical vocation for openness, dialogue, and exchange.
At the core of the project lies the idea of culture as a driver of sustainable development, social cohesion, and innovation. The programme combines urban regeneration, cultural production, youth engagement, and accessibility, with the ambition of leaving a lasting legacy beyond 2028.
The project also places particular emphasis on Ancona’s maritime dimension and its role as a “city-port”, where cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and creative industries converge into a dynamic and forward-looking ecosystem.
A European and International Dimension
Ancona’s designation carries a strong European and international significance. The city has long been a key hub for regional cooperation in the Adriatic-Ionian area and plays a central role within the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative and the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR).
As highlighted in the winning dossier, Ancona is not only geographically but also institutionally positioned as a gateway between Italy, the Balkans, and the wider Mediterranean. Its cultural programme for 2028 aims to further strengthen these connections through international partnerships, cultural networks, and cross-border cooperation.
The Role of the AII Permanent Secretariat
Ancona is also home to the Permanent Secretariat of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative, reinforcing its role as a center for dialogue and cooperation in South-East Europe.
In this context, the Secretariat warmly welcomes the designation of Ancona as Italian Capital of Culture 2028 and reaffirms its commitment to actively supporting the city in maximizing the international dimension of this important opportunity. Building on its experience in fostering regional cooperation, the Secretariat will work to promote synergies, partnerships, and initiatives that can enhance the visibility and impact of Ancona 2028 across the Adriatic-Ionian region and beyond.
Looking Ahead
The title of Italian Capital of Culture represents not only a recognition of Ancona’s rich cultural heritage and dynamic vision, but also a strategic opportunity to strengthen its role as a cultural and institutional hub at the European level.
As preparations begin, Ancona is set to embark on a transformative journey that will further position the city as a laboratory of culture, innovation, and international cooperation—fully aligned with the values and mission of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative.