Siena and Bukhara: a cultural bridge between two UNESCO Sites

Siena and Bukhara: a cultural bridge between two UNESCO Sites

On 15 April 2026, an institutional meeting took place at Siena's Palazzo Pubblico between representatives of Siena and an official delegation from Bukhara (Uzbekistan) to initiate collaboration between the two historic centres recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Participants included Mayor Nicoletta Fabio, Councillor for Cooperation and International Relations Giuseppe Giordano, Uzbekistan's Ambassador to Italy Abat Fayzullaev and Honorary Consul Leonardo Comucci, together with members of the Uzbek delegation.

Objectives of the partnership

• Exchange best practices for conservation and safeguarding of tangible and intangible heritage.
• Plan cultural exchanges and joint cultural promotion initiatives.
• Encourage sustainable tourism policies that protect historic city centres.

Next steps and opportunities

• Development of operational programmes and technical visits between administrations.
• Joint projects for communication campaigns and themed routes highlighting UNESCO links.
• Potential exhibition exchanges and cultural events showcasing historical and architectural affinities.

Impact for visitors and cultural operators

Visitors can expect thematic itineraries and cultural events that emphasize the connections between Siena and Bukhara; cultural operators gain opportunities to take part in collaborative conservation and promotion projects.

Meeting location

Palazzo Pubblico, Il Campo 1, 53100 Siena (coordinates: 43.3179909, 11.3320257).