The city of L’Aquila named Italian Capital of Culture 2026

Italian Minister of Culture Gennaio Sangiuliano announced that L’Aquila will be the Italian Capital of Culture in 2026. The city was chosen by a jury chaired by Davide Maria Desario, surpassing the other nine finalists: Agnone (Isernia), Alba (Cuneo), Gaeta (Latina), Latina, Lucera (Foggia), Maratea (Potenza), Rimini, Treviso, and the Union of the Municipalities of Valdichiana Senese. For its candidacy, the city presented a project titled "L’Aquila Multiverse City", centered on four important pillars: public health and well-being, social cohesion, creativity and innovation, and socio-environmental sustainability; further developed along five main axes: multiculturalism, multireproducibility, multidisciplinarity, multinaturality, and multitemporality.

“The public program of events and initiatives unfolds throughout the year and covers the entire spectrum of artistic and cultural expression, including cinema, theater, music, and visual arts. Appreciated is the focus on youth, who will not only be spectators but also actors. The project fulfills the criteria of the call with a good integration between the public and the private sector. The centrality and involvement of the museum, library, and university system are highly appreciated. The judgment is excellent. Therefore, the jury unanimously recommends the city of L’Aquila as the Italian Capital of Culture 2026,” stated the minister. The city will receive a financial contribution of one million euros to achieve the objectives outlined in its candidacy project.

Opening image: Photo Cristian Manieri via pexels