PRomoting ExellenceS of renAissance Glourious twinEd towns

ongoing

The PRESAGE project seeks to strengthen cultural ties between Fossombrone and Middelburg by celebrating the legacy of Paul of Middelburg, a Renaissance intellectual and Bishop of Fossombrone, who exemplified early European collaboration. The project, named PRomoting Excellences of Renaissance Glorious TwinEd towns, explores the cultural diversity of the EU through historical connections and promotes the territorial excellence of both cities. PRESAGE will organise two major events: seminars and a culinary competition during the Middelburg Historical Wine Festival in 2025, and conferences, workshops, artistic residencies, and historical reenactments during the Fossombrone Carnival Triumph in 2026. The project will involve a physical exchange of people, with 26 participants from Fossombrone travelling to Middelburg and 42 from Middelburg visiting Fossombrone. Additionally, the events will be open to the local population, targeting a total of 11,000 participants for both events. Key activities will include sharing best practices and enhancing European identity through intercultural exchange. A significant highlight will be the signing of a Twinning Pact using Paul of Middelburg's restored historical seal, symbolising a historical bond and a commitment to fostering solidarity and tolerance within the European Union. The Pact will also include guidelines for promoting Renaissance destinations and their cultural heritage. Through these initiatives, PRESAGE aims to broaden civic engagement and promote a shared European heritage while building long-term cultural and economic collaboration between the two cities.