Syracuse bids for European Capital of Culture 2033: 'Siracusa 2033' Foundation launched

Syracuse has launched its bid to become European Capital of Culture 2033 with the creation of the Siracusa 2033 Foundation, tasked with promoting the city and coordinating cultural planning ahead of the selection. The foundation will be presented publicly on Monday, March 30 at the International Institute for Criminal Justice and Human Rights.

The municipal administration is listed among the founding members following a city council resolution passed in October 2025. The foundation aims to provide a permanent structure to attract resources, build a cultural programme and engage public and private stakeholders.

• Speakers and promoters: Mayor Francesco Italia will take part in the presentation; Giovanni Cafeo is named as the foundation's president.
• Key participants: cultural entrepreneur Laura Milani, Angelo Maria Micciulla (president of the Restart association) and Luca Lentini (vice-president of Restart).
• Institutional partners: Jean-François Thony, president of the International Institute for Criminal Justice and Human Rights, and Daniele Pitteri, superintendent of the Inda Foundation, are also scheduled to intervene.

The foundation intends to coordinate archaeological heritage, theatres, cultural institutions and local expertise to prepare a robust candidacy. The project also aims to foster citizen participation and attract cultural investment, with focus on sustainability and wider access to the city's cultural assets.

Next steps: the public presentation and subsequent participatory planning will define the candidacy dossier and the multi-year programme the foundation plans to promote.