Ancient EUropean CAPitals. European Identity is Cultural Diversity!

ongoing

The project ‘ANCIENT EUROPEAN CAPITALS: European Identity is Cultural Diversity’ aims to raise awareness of the importance of historical and cultural diversity, promoting a vision of European identity, not as homogeneous and monolithic, but as the result of a synthesis of various traditions, cultures and histories. The partnership involves the ancient European capitals of Corfinio (Italy), Pliska (Bulgaria) and Gniezno (Poland), which are profound symbols of European cultural diversity, despite being small and lesser-known cities compared to more famous capitals. These three cities tell unique stories: Corfinio, the first capital of Italy during the social war against Rome, Pliska, the first capital of the Bulgarian Empire, and Gniezno, the cradle of the Polish nation. Their contribution is essential for understanding European identity as a mosaic of distinctive historical experiences and heritages. The A.EU.CAP. project aims to strengthen ties between these cities through twinning, which began in 2022 with institutional exchanges and reciprocal visits between the city delegations. The initiative promotes cultural, institutional and social cooperation, focusing on values such as solidarity, diversity and European cohesion. The main objectives include enhancing the historical heritage of the three cities, encouraging the development of sustainable cultural tourism and creating new opportunities, especially for young people and women. The project envisages the active participation of local communities, associations and institutions, aiming to stimulate cooperation at regional, national and European levels.