European Capital of Culture 2013: Marseille & Kosice You are here: Home / France / European Capital of Culture 2013 European Capital of Culture 2013 January 12, 2013 By Andrea 73 Twitter Google Pinterest Stumbleupon It used to be that there was one European Capital of Culture per year until 2000 when they went a little crazy and made 9 different cities the ‘capital’. In recent years there have been two or three per year and last year was the first time I got to visit one of the capitals when I went to Guimarães in northern Portugal . The title of European Capital of Culture 2013 is held by both Marseille, France and Kosice, Slovakia. France: Marseille-Provence It’s not just the city of Marseille which is the Capital of Culture but also the surrounding area including Aix-en-Provence, Arles, La Ciotat, Martigues and Aubagne. Marseille Marseille doesn’t have the best of reputations and many tourists skip it in favour of nearby Aix-en-Provence or Avignon.

Granted, port cities often have a seedy side to them but Marseille is a huge city with many interesting neighbourhoods, the historic Chateau d’If and Frioul Islands, and a unique foodie scene. For starters, there is the Vieux Port, the oldest part of the city which is easily explored on foot. Lots of great cafes and restaurants are located here including Le Cafe des Epices where the chef prepares the menu based on what he finds at the local market that day. Another of the main attractions is the Notre Dame de la Garde, a basilica set high on the hill overlooking Marseille and the islands off the coast. Even if you’re not interested in religious monuments it’s worth the steep walk for the view. One of the purposes of being the European Capital of Culture is to highlight the richness and diversity of European culture. Marseille itself is extremely diverse. It’s a melting pot of French, Mediterranean and North African cultures which is seen in the relaxed lifestyle of the locals and especially in their cuisine.

Typical dishes in the region include Bouillabaisse , aioli (garlic sauce), tapenade (olive spread), fougasse (a type of stuffed bread) and navettes (a very, very hard orange blossom infused biscuit). All that great food is often washed down with a glass or two of Pastis, a disgusting aniseed flavoured liqueur. French film buffs might also enjoy a trip to Marseille as many well known French films have been shot around the city and you can easily spot the set locations. One of my favourite French directors, Robert Guédiguian, shot most of his films in Marseille including the award winning Marius et Jeanette and his series of films staring Ariane Ascaride and Jean-Pierre Darroussin. The Marseille-Provence official website has a list of European Capital of Culture events in Marseille and the surrounding region. Slovakia: Kosice My only experience of Slovakia is a day trip I took from Vienna a few years ago. I’ve always wanted to go back to Bratislava and would love to see more of the country too.

Kosice is in the east of Slovakia and I’m told a great way to get there is on a road trip from Budapest in Hungary to Krakow, Poland. That’s exactly how I plan to visit when I go later this year. Things To Do in Kosice My itinerary in Kosice includes: Wandering the largest historical centre in Slovakia. Experiencing the cafe culture with a little cafe hopping. Indulging in my love of cocktails with Slovakia’s own Kosice Gold cocktail. Taking a day trip to one of the nearby UNESCO listed castles. Depending on when I visit I’ll likely take part in the Balloon Fiesta (5th to 9th June) or the Kosice Gourmet Fest (21st to 23rd June). Go to the VisitKosice website for more information on cultural events in Kosice in 2013.

73 Guide to the European Capital of Culture Cities 1985 to 2013 A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step Guide to the European Capital of Culture Cities 1985 to 2013 by Jules on December 27, 2012 Email Being awarded the prestigious European Capital of Culture tag is highly coveted and has the power to catapult a little known town or city into the limelight. It’s an opportunity for that city to showcase their history, heritage and of course culture and brings with it increased social and economic benefits for many years. The European Capital of Culture was conceived in 1985 with the aim of further uniting Europe and showcasing a particular area that is outstanding in terms of local culture, traditional values and historically rich sights. These are the cities that have so far hosted the annual honour from 1985 to 2013; Complete list of all European Capital of Culture Cities 1985 – Athens, Greece – Home to some world famous sights including the incredible Acropolis, magnificent Parthenon temple and the birthplace of the Olympics, the Panathenaic Stadium.

Of course Athens also hosted the 2004 Olympic Games and remains a firm favourite tourist destination. Recent financial woes offering some fantastic travel bargains. 1986 – Florence, Italy – The capital city of Tuscany offers magnificent medieval architecture and is known as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance period. Famous sights include the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, aka the magnificent Duomo, which offers up stunning cityscape views and the world-renowned Uffizi art museum. 1987 – Amsterdam, The Netherlands – For a modern urban destination who’s reputation goes before it, head to Amsterdam . What you CAN expect is carefully preserved 17th century buildings and the incredible Vincent Van Gogh Museum packed with his works of art. There are miles of Dutch canals and bridges which just cry out to be explored by bike and boat. 1988 – Berlin, Germany – Shortly before the wall came down, Berlin hosted the Capital of Culture. In the twenty odd years since hosting the event, Berlin has grown into a trendy city popular with emerging funky artists. As well as an abundance of fascinating museums and cool art galleries there are also reminders of the past at the Berlin Wall site and also at Checkpoint Charlie.

Remember the past and embrace the future. In my opinion, this city will host the City of Culture again very soon. 1989 – Paris, France – Ultra chic Paris oozes charm and character, with famous landmarks , museums and galleries bursting with notable masterpieces, opulent opera performances and delicious cuisine. Yes the romantic capital of the world has it all. Top things to experience in Paris include the might Eiffel Tower (of course), possible the best museum in Europe, the Musee d’Orsay and the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral. 1990 – Glasgow, Scotland – Scotland’s second city of Glasgow hosted the prestigious European Capital of Culture title back in 1990 and has continued to evolve and modernise ever since. Today Glasgow is edgily trendy with traditional Victorian architecture blending perfectly with modern bars and clubs which set the pace in terms of live music in the UK. Explore the refurbished Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, enjoy a cruise along the River Clyde and wander the magnificent Gothic Glasgow Cathedral. 1991 – Dublin, Ireland – If you’re up for the ‘craic’ head to Dublin which has something of party-hard reputation.

As well as downing an authentic pint of Guinness and revelling in all things green come St Patricks Day , Dublin is also brimming with traditional culture and architecture . Wander the Elizabethan Trinity College, soak up the artwork at the Irish Museum of Modern Art and catch an event at the mighty Croke Park. 1992 – Madrid, Spain - The capital city of Spain has something of an understated sophistication, with a lively nightlife scene with live music the main attraction, excellent art galleries and fine food with tapas a firm favourite. Get your bearings in Madrid’s Plaza Mayor, gawp at the masterpieces on display at the Museo del Prado and pick up a bargain at the Sunday morning El Rastro Market. 1993 – Antwerp, Belgium – Another trendy hotspot in Europe is Antwerp , Belgium’s second city. Boasting a stunning central cathedral, quaint cobbled lanes and oodles of authentic shops and restaurants, this is the place to be seen. Browse the antique stores, luxury chocolate shops, art galleries and designer boutiques by day and party by night at one of the many clubs, especially in the cosmopolitan gay-friendly docklands area.

1994 – Lisbon, Portugal – Did you know that Portugal’s capital city Lisbon predates Rome, London and Paris? This was surely a factor in awarding the city the prestigious Capital of Culture status in 1994. Brimming with Gothic cathedrals, interesting museums and traditional monasteries there’s plenty to see and do in this family friendly city which so far has avoided mass tourism. 1995 – Luxembourg – Technically a commune with city status, Luxembourg is something of a fairytale destination with lush valleys and highland and a small city in Luxembourg City. Expect low key tourism with an overall French and German influence from this European Capital of Culture city. There are ancient castles such as the Château de Bourscheid, traditional villages and museums such as the Modern Art Museum and City History Museum waiting to be explored. 1996 – Copenhagen, Denmark – The Danish capital city of Copenhagen in Scandinavia is incredibly safe, clean and easy to navigate. Wearing its eco credentials with pride, Copenhagen revels in it outdoors adventure scene as well as its big-city reputation. Striking modern architecture rubs shoulders with more traditional buildings and the locals have really caught on to the cage culture.

Take a canal and harbour tour to view the Little Mermaid and catch the annual jazz festival. 1997 – Thessaloniki, Greece – The second city of Greece, Thessaloniki is located in the north and offers visitors great food, fabulous shopping and a lively nightlife scene. Throw in the centuries old history and culture in the Byzantine city walls, the Church of Agios Dimitrios which dates back to the 4th century and the gigantic Roman Rotunda and you’ve got a Greek destination with a difference on your hands. 1998 – Stockholm, Sweden – Home to the Vikings, meatballs, various pickled foods and of course that famous modern furniture brand, Stockholm is at ease with both its traditional past and vibrant future. The sheer beauty of the city hits you on arrival and travellers should check out the Old Town district of Gamla Stan which has quaint cobbled streets. The Södermalm district is the place to go for good shopping, food and nightlife. 1999 – Weimar, Germany – The small town of Weimar in Central Germany is renowned for its cultural heritage and is small enough to explore on foot or by bike.

Visit the art gallery at the City Castle Stadtschloss, see the memorial to the two famous German writers Goethe and Schiller in the Theaterplatz and visit the rococo Anna Amalia Bibliothek which houses a library and art gallery. 2000 – The millennium year offered something of a bonus with a total of 9 cities hosting the European Capital of Culture honours; medieval Avignon in southeast France, Norway’s second city of Bergen, cosmopolitan college city Bologna in northern Italy, 10th century fortress city of Brussels in Belgium, Finland’s capital city Helsinki located on the Baltic Sea, the fascinating 7th century Polish city of Krakow , the Czech Republic’s imperial city of Prague, the most northernmost capital city Reykjavik in Iceland and Santiago de Compostela in Spain’s Galicia region. 2001 – Rotterdam, Netherlands and Porto, Portugal – Rotterdam is a surprisingly modern city as it was forced to extensively rebuild following heavy WWII bombing.

Home to the second largest post in the world, Rotterdam is a lively multicultural city with some standout attractions; explore the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen, wander the Oude Kerk district which survived the war and see the handprints of Bryan Adams, Roxette and David Lee Roth (of Van Halen fame) on Rotterdam’s own Walk of Fame. Porto has retained its traditional charm and enchants visitors to a city filled with Roman ramparts, market squares reminiscent of Paris and exciting bars and clubs. The Portuguese city is a history lover’s paradise with oodles of charm in the many churches, narrows lanes and museums. Visit the expansive collections on display at the Museu Nacional Soares Dos Reis, admire the Parisienne-style São Bento Train Station and explore the Gothic Igreja de São Francisco church, with an intricate Baroque interior with plenty of gold leaf on display. 2002 – Bruges, Belgium and Salamanca, Spain – Bruges is an incredibly popular destination all year round, thanks to fantastic medieval architecture. Picture photogenic traditional market squares, meandering canals and plenty of medieval buildings.

For art from the 14th to 20th century, visit the Groeningemuseum and witness the rather gruesome Jeruzalemkerk, which is a replica of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. At the heart of Spain’s Castilla region lies Salamanca; lively, beautiful and typically Spanish. Salamanca is bursting with architectural wonders and a youthful vibrancy, thanks to the large international student population. Highlights include the very heart of the city; the Plaza Mayor, the Catedral Vieja cathedral which dates back to 1120 and the city museum Museo de Salamanca. 2003 – Graz, Austria – Austria’s second city Graz is incredibly laidback, yet has plenty going on, with plenty of green parks to explore by day and a lively arts and nightlife scene to discover by night. Cultural delights include the Baroque Schloss Eggenberg Palace, the Landeszeughaus Museum which has 30,000 artefacts on display and the Schlossbergbahn Fortress which originally gave Graz its name. 2004 – Genoa, Italy and Lille, France – With a country full of outstanding cities, Genoa certainly holds its own.

The city is incredible hilly resulting in winding streets, steep steps and meandering streets. Visitors will fall in love with the medieval palaces, churches and remains of the city walls. The black and white striped Cattedrale di San Lorenzo really stands out and the elaborate palace Palazzo Lomellino dates back to 1563. Lille in northern France is today a thriving cultural city with strong Flemish traditions. There are interesting museums, fine dining and boutique shopping opportunities. Browse the 15th to 20th century art including pieces by Manet and Rubens in the Fine Arts Museum and visit the Citadelle, a massive 17th century fortress constructed with over 60 million bricks. 2005 – Cork, Republic of Ireland – Since hosting the European Capital of Culture in 2005, Cork has continues to build its cultural reputation, ably assisted by its flourishing arts, restaurants and music scene. There are 17th century sidestreets, Georgian parades and intriguing art galleries. Visit the stark Cork City Gaol, browse the Old Butter Market and try a traditional beer at the Beamish and Crawford Brewery.

2006 – Patras – Greece – Patras is the biggest city in the Greek Peloponnese with over 3,000 years of history. Today the city is a cosmopolitan destination with a burgeoning nightlife scene. Admire e the longest multi-span bridge in the world at the Rio-Antirio Bridge, explore the relatively modern St. Andrews Church and view the exhibits at the Archaeological Museum. 2007 – There were 3 hosts of the 2007 City of Culture; Sibiu in Romania, Luxembourg (see 1995 above) and the ‘Greater Region’ which comprises Belgium, Germany, France and Luxembourg. In the heart of Transylvania lies Sibiu which underwent significant renovation I order to the host the City of Culture with a strong Saxon heritage. Walk the old town where German merchants settled in the Middle Ages, browse the 1,000 paintings in the Brukenthal Museum and try some local watersports on offer at the Balea Lake. 2008 – Liverpool, UK and Stavanger, Norway – Mention the city of ‘Liverpool’ and you’ll instantly think football, The Beatles and the UESCO listed waterfront and docks.

But did you know that Liverpool also has an abundance of free art galleries and museums and also the most listed buildings in the whole of the UK, outside of London. Picturesque Stavanger in the north of Norway is a maze of quiet streets set around a quaint harbour. Even with a small town feeling there is still plenty going on. Catch the exhibits at the curiously interesting Stavanger Oil Museum, admire the Romanesque Stavanger Cathedral which dates back to 1125 and explore the Canning Museum which reminds visitors that Stavanger was once the premier cannery site in Scandinavia. 2009 – Vilnius, Lithuania and Linz, Austria – The capital city of Lithuania, Vilnius is compact and easily explored on foot or by cycle. Visitors are treated to stunning Catholic churches and Baroque architecture; in fact Vilnius is the largest Baroque Old Town in the whole of Europe and is also UNESCO listed.

Climb up to the Gediminas Castle and Museum with its red bricked tower, admire the Vilnius Cathedral which has been rebuilt many times since 1251 in many different styles, and hire an English speaking guide to appreciate the historical accounts at the sombre Museum of Genocide Victims. The largest city in Austria, Linz, sits on the Danube River and has a large old town region (Altstadt) which is the city’s cultural hub with museums, galleries and monuments in abundance. Discover the Neo-Gothic New cathedral which dates back to 1862 and the Baroque Old cathedral, built in 1669. Standout museums include the Schlossmuseum which houses gothic art and the Military History Collection in Ebelsberg Castle. Head to the ‘Culture Mile’ alongside the Danube for a lively night out. 2010 – Again in 2010 there were 3 areas that marked the European Capital of Culture. Germany’s city of Essen represented the Ruhr area, which lies in the west of Germany and is the fifth largest European urban area.

The city of Istanbul in Turkey hosted for the very first time in 2010 with visitors bewitched by the famous sights of the Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia . Pécs in Hungary also hosted in 2010 thanks to a city thriving with galleries, mosques, museums and Roman tombs. Located on the foothills of the Mecsek mountains makes Pecs an adventurer’s paradise as well as a cultural hotspot. 2011 – Turku, Finland and Tallinn, Estonia – The oldest city in Finland, Turku, has a medieval heritage although sadly little remains from this period. The museums are varied with modern art on display at the Turun Taidemuseo and traditional handicrafts exhibits at the Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum. Look out for the boat bars as well, which are literally bars hosted in boats throughout the city. Another medieval tourist-heavyweight hotspot also hosted in 2011; Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia boasts 14th century houses, cobbled streets, ancient churches, historic ruins and diverse galleries. Walk the Town Hall Square and admire the last surviving Gothic Town Hall building within northern Europe.

Explore the 19th century Alexander Nevsky Cathedral built in Russian Orthodox style and browse the exhibits at the Kiek-in-de-Kök museum which was constructed in 1475. 2012 – Guimarães, Portugal and Maribor, Slovenia – The dual hosts for 2012 were historic Guimaraes , dubbed Portugal’s first city with the impressive Guimarães Castle and Dukes of Braganza Palace. Take the elevator up the Penha Mountain to admire the view below and wander the pretty Olive Square, aka Largo da Oliveira. Maribor is the second largest city in Slovenia (after the capital Ljubljana) and sits on the Drava River in the heart of wine growing territory. As you’d expect there are museums, galleries, theatres and an impressive Old Town district. Explore the Maribor Castle and the impressive Maribor Regional Museum contained within it. Try a drop of the local Slovenian wine at the Vinag Wine Cellars and the Old Vine.

2013 – Marseille, France and Kosice, Slovakia – 2013 sees the dual hosting of the City of Culture with the historical port city of Marseille showcasing its 2,600 years of history. Top sights in Marseille include the resplendent Notre Dame De La Garde, the startlingly beautiful Calanques fjords region and the deeply literary Château d’If prison island. Košice, aka “The City of Peace” will also host in 2013 and travellers will be treated to stunning Art Nouveau architecture spread across this Eastern European gem . Check out the high gothic St Elizabeth’s Cathedral, browse the many and varied palaces of Kosice and admire the brazenness of the Beggar’s House. Italian Cities Vie for Culture Capital Status - The New York Times The New York Times International Arts |Italian Cities Vie for Culture Capital Status Search Continue reading the main story Photo A glimpse of Piazza del Popolo, the city center of Ravenna, which is hoping to become a European Capital of Culture in 2019. Officials are emphasizing that Dante is buried there.

Credit Marco Gualazzini for The New York Times RAVENNA, Italy — After six years of planning, and countless brainstorming sessions with citizens and institutions, Ravenna was ready on Thursday to face the panel of experts called on to decide which Italian city will be the European Capital of Culture in 2019. Over the course of the past week, delegations from 21 Italian cities were called to Rome to try to convince the panel of 13 experts that their city is the most cultural of them all. The European Capital of Culture initiative began 28 years ago to highlight the Continent’s rich diversity, while strengthening the ties that link different cultures and traditions throughout Europe, and, hopefully, transforming the chosen cities into tourist magnets. More than 40 cities have been singled out since the program began. Since 2011, two capitals from different European countries have been chosen. Italy and Bulgaria will host the initiative in 2019, and each will choose a city to represent it.

Besides offering a yearlong program of events emphasizing the city’s hidden strengths (in Ravenna, organizers want to plump up the fact that Dante, usually associated with Florence, is buried there), the initiative is often seen as an opportunity to regenerate a town’s image. Continue reading the main story To be considered for the preselection, candidate cities had to submit an application by Sept. 20, which gave an overview of scheduled events for the year and detailed frameworks for budgets and management of the event. A short list of cities, likely five or six, will be announced Friday evening, Italian officials said. Those cities will be asked to submit more detailed applications taking into account recommendations by the panel. A winner is expected to be declared in 2015. Advertisement Continue reading the main story Italy has an unusually high number of candidates this year. By comparison, Marseille ultimately muscled out seven other French cities to become the capital for 2013 while only three cities in the Czech Republic vied to be the capital in 2015. The glut is not surprising in a country where the notion of “campanilismo” — denoting a proud attachment to one’s hometown — runs deep.

Several of the cities now competing for the title can even boast of having once been the capitals of sundry duchies, principalities, maritime republics, or, in the case of Ravenna, the Western Roman Empire. But the desire to be named a cultural capital is about more than local pride. As the economy suffers, candidates are also attracted by the potential financial benefits that the title can bring. Studies and estimates suggest that there is a return of 5 euros to 10 euros for every euro invested in a European Capital of Culture. Liverpool, a capital in 2008, is often given as an example. Studies showed that tourism rose 34 percent and the event generated millions in revenue. “Being a capital of culture is an accelerator of a process and a catalyzer for resources” that can transform a city, said Alberto Cassani, the coordinator of Ravenna’s organizing committee. In Italy, the competition is steep. Ravenna’s boast of making the Unesco World Heritage List — the town has eight Early Christian churches and monuments with mosaics — will not hold much sway with the selection panel.

Nearly two-thirds of the other cities vying for the title, which include Lecce, Syracuse and Mantua, can make the same claim. Please verify you're not a robot by clicking the box. Invalid email address. Please re-enter. You must select a newsletter to subscribe to. Sign Up Privacy Policy For L’Aquila, the central Italian city devastated by an earthquake in 2009, organizers think that becoming the capital of culture would give a much-needed boost to the city’s reconstruction, which is struggling to take off. In Palermo, winning the competition is seen as a way of dealing a fresh blow to the Mafia. Matera, the city of stone dwellings in the Basilicata region perhaps best known to film audiences as the set for Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ,” is plugging itself as a southern success story. “It’s important for Italy to show that it is possible to recover pride in the growth of the south,” said Paolo Verri, the director of the organizing committee there. A city like Pisa, also in the running, “has always been extraordinary,” whereas Matera has overcome extreme poverty in the last century, he said.

“Symbolically it would be an important victory.” An Italian official discounted rumors that this year the application had been limited to 180 pages to curtail Italian loquacity. “You can imagine what it’s like when every city is free to do what it wants,” said Leila Nista, project manager of the Focus Point at the Culture Ministry, which oversees the contest. As part of the application process, candidate cities developed catchy slogans, like Lecce’s “Reinventing Eutopia,” Taranto’s “Dolphins making love in the seas of Taranto,” presumably a reference to the marine mammals that find sanctuary there, or Aosta’s “Interaction, integration, sharing” along with a logo that recalls a stylized version of Leonardo’s Vitruvian Man. Advertisement Continue reading the main story Key to success is the support of local institutions and the public authorities for the candidacy, especially in terms of funding. But lack of funding has not deterred some of the candidates, notably Grosseto and the Maremma, in southwest Tuscany, which refused institutional backing. “Authorities are admitted surreptitiously: the aim is to promote every human and economic resource on a voluntary basis, in sincere participation, without pride.

Power is a fashion,” read the application drafted by the promoters of the candidacy — a graphic artist and a musician-writer. In Campania, officials at the region’s culture department were perplexed by the nomination of the Vallo di Diano and the Cilento, national parks whose nomination is supported by a private committee. An official said the region knew nothing about the candidacy and was instead backing Caserta, home to one of Italy’s most opulent royal palaces. In making their choice, the jurors will be looking as much to the future as to a city’s past and the vision the city has for, and of, itself. For Ravenna, that vision includes the regeneration of an abandoned dock area into a hub for creative activities. That project is on the drawing board regardless of whether the city wins the competition. “Yes, there is a plan B,” Mr. Cassani said. “But we very much believe in our chances.” Correction: November 15, 2013 An earlier version of this article misstated the name of the Mel Gibson movie.

The film is “The Passion of the Christ,” not “The Passion of Christ.” A version of this article appears in print on November 15, 2013, in The International New York Times. Order Reprints | Today's Paper | Subscribe Marseille, France, Tries to Alter Image From Rough to Cultured - The New York Times The New York Times Europe |Known for Crime and Poverty, but Working on Its Image Search Known for Crime and Poverty, but Working on Its Image By STEVEN ERLANGER and MAÏA de la BAUME FEB. 4, 2013 Continue reading the main story Photo Designated a European Capital of Culture for 2013, Marseille built the giant glass Museum of Civilizations From Europe and the Mediterranean, opening in June. Credit :France Keyser for The New York Times MARSEILLE, France — In a building here, down by the old port, immigrants from the colonies, most of them North African, were showered, deloused and examined before entry into France. A sort of French Ellis Island, the structure had been abandoned for 40 years and was nearly demolished in 2009.

Now, it is being rehabilitated as a museum, for an exhibition opening on March 1 called “Regards de Provence, Mediterranean Reflections” — part of Marseille’s celebration of itself as a European Capital of Culture for 2013. Gaining the title, designated by the European Union annually since 1985, is something like winning the Olympics. It gives Marseille, France’s second-largest city, a chance to remake itself, reclaim its gorgeous port for ordinary citizens and to reshape its image — from a poor, rough, crime-ridden and corrupt crossroads whose economy declined with the end of colonialism to an attractive tourist destination of sun, sea, seafood and culture. That is the intent, certainly — to make Marseille not just a commercial center, but a destination. With a budget estimated at nearly $135 million, raised from public and private funds, the organizers hope to attract an additional two million visitors and lift the economy. “It’s a shock, a cultural earthquake,” said Jacques Pfister, the head of the local chamber of commerce and director of the association that organized Marseille-Provence 2013 , known as MP2013. “We’ve created a cultural offer unique in Europe,” he said.

“We want to tie together France, Europe and the Mediterranean.” More concretely, Mr. Pfister said, “we want the people of Marseille to be able to take back the sea coast and the old port,” which is already mostly car-free and is undergoing a multimillion-dollar face-lift. Continue reading the main story The city has established 10 new sites for cultural activities, many of them a repurposing of old or abandoned buildings, like the sanitation station and an enormous tobacco factory surrounded by graffiti-covered walls and exhibiting contemporary art on the theme of immigration and exile. Advertisement Continue reading the main story The city has also built some stunning new buildings. There is a huge glass Museum of Civilizations From Europe and the Mediterranean, financed by the state and due to open in June. And the Villa Méditerranée, an international center for dialogue and exchanges about the Mediterranean and its peoples. Paid for by the regional government, it juts over the water. Good use is being made of some of Marseille’s existing museums, like La Vieille Charité, a 17th-century alms house and hospital in the Panier quarter that was saved some years ago.

Transformed into an exhibition space, it is showing “Vestiges,” Josef Koudelka ’s haunting black-and-white photographs of Greek and Roman remains from around the Mediterranean. Zineb Sedira , a photographer and videographer born in France to Algerian parents, said that the city was “trying to break the cliché of Marseille as the gateway to the Orient, to Algeria and colonialism.” Marseille “has for a long time been neglected in France,” better known for crime than for culture, she said. “Marseille now has a chance to put itself on the map.” Ms. Sedira’s work in Marseille, on the theme of emigration and loss, focuses on the movement of people around the Mediterranean, the main theme of the Marseille year, which is trying to embrace multiculturalism without hiding the scars of colonialism. Photo The old port of Marseille has been renovated as part of a $135 million transformation of the city. Credit France Keyser for The New York Times “To live together is vital for European life, and Marseille is a good example of it,” said Nicolas Mazet, who owns the Hôtel de Gallifet, an art gallery in what was a large private house in Aix-en-Provence.

“MP2013 reminds us of our common European heritage, the result of cultural intermingling from Athens to Granada.” Marseille hopes to claim a place as the link connecting northern and southern shores of the Mediterranean. A city with ancient Greek and Roman roots, founded in 600 B.C., it is trying to embrace the Italian and North African experiences of its many immigrant citizens. As many as 30 percent of its 850,000 residents are Muslim. “Marseille created itself, strata upon strata, with foreign populations,” said the city’s longtime mayor, Jean-Claude Gaudin. “We’ve been privileged by proximity to the countries of the Maghreb. We’re a multicultural city and must remain so.” Please verify you're not a robot by clicking the box. Invalid email address. Please re-enter. You must select a newsletter to subscribe to. Sign Up Privacy Policy Yolande Bacot curated an exhibit about the history and artifacts of the cultures of the Mediterranean, from ancient to modern times, at the J1, a huge seaside warehouse turned exhibition center. “History reopened itself with the Arab Spring, and we want to confront the past and present” Ms.

Bacot said, while modifying what she called France’s “very ethnocentric and Franco-French vision of things.” In 2004, the Marseille City Council decided to apply for the European Capital of Culture designation for 2013. It was chosen in September 2008. In the time since then, Marseille mounted a sometimes frantic effort to raise money and get itself ready for prime time. Advertisement Continue reading the main story The result is sprawling, involving scores of venues here and in nearby towns in Provence, including the wealthier Arles and Aix-en-Provence (with its famed Musée Granet , which has an exhibition of 15 artists from 14 countries). The celebration will last a year, with a cycle of about 400 performances, exhibitions and concerts, as well as events including boat parades, guided treks and a five-day street-food festival. Unlike most of the big cities in France, Marseille lacks a sizable middle class to supports art and culture. “Here, those who succeed leave,” Dominique Bluzet , the director of several Marseille theaters, told the newspaper Le Monde. “And why? Because there is no pride in the city.

This city doesn’t know how to create bourgeois reflexes, to transmit them.” The region is hoping for a surge in civic pride that endures, as well as a stronger economy and an increase in tourism similar to what Avignon experienced in 2000 and Lille in 2004 after they were designated European Capitals of Culture. This year, Marseille is sharing the title with Kosice, in eastern Slovakia, which boasts beautiful churches, three universities, a historic city center and a big steel mill. No one here mentions Kosice, although presumably no one wishes it ill. To be sure, there is harsh criticism, too. Minna Sif , a novelist from Marseille, born to Moroccan parents, compared the festivities to a “sardinade,” a traditional Mediterranean dish of grilled sardines, lined up and covered in olive oil.

“It’s hard for me,” she wrote in the newspaper Libération , “to recognize myself in this sardinade, stamped as the capital of right-thinking, feel-good culture, run by a mess of preening cultural morons, of those assigned to the uncultivated and of ambitious people with their mouths stuffed with words.” Correction: February 11, 2013 The Marseille Journal article on Tuesday, about the French port city’s designation’s as a European Cultural Capital of 2013 by the European Union misstated the final word of a comment by Nicolas Mazet, the owner of an art gallery in Aix-en-Provence. Mr. Mazet said, “MP2013 reminds us of our common European heritage, the result of cultural intermingling from Athens to Granada” — not “Grenada.” The article also misstated the given name of the mayor of Marseille. He is Jean-Claude Gaudin, not Jean-Pierre. A version of this article appears in print on February 5, 2013, on Page A9 of the New York edition with the headline: Known for Crime and Poverty, but Working on Its Image.

Order Reprints | Today's Paper | Subscribe The hottest French city of 2013: Marseille | Travel | The Guardian French style special The hottest French city of 2013: Marseille There's never been a better time to visit Marseille. It's this year's European Capital of Culture and a new Eurostar service makes it easier than ever to get there l'Ombrière, Norman Foster's sleek, mirrored sunshade and events pavilion in Marseille's Vieux Port. Photograph: Boris Horvat/AFP Saturday 25 May 2013 04.00 EDT First published on Saturday 25 May 2013 04.00 EDT Share on Messenger Close This summer, Eurostar is running a Saturday service right across France to Aix-en-Provence . This is the farthest a direct train has ever travelled from London, covering 750 miles in just over six hours. But it's the psychological distance between stepping on in King's Cross and off in Aix that really counts. It isn't just that the Mediterranean weather is likely to be better. There's something about the play of light and shade on the honey and pastel buildings and on the streets lined with plane trees.

You'll start to feel as if you're walking around in a painting by Cézanne, the city's most famous son, even before you visit his remarkably preserved studio and realise quite how much inspiration he took from the local surroundings. So treat yourself to a pastis in a street-side cafe on the Cours Mirabeau. Tune in to the steady murmur of intellectual conversation or, better still, eavesdrop on the posturing and plans for youthful high jinks, the hallmarks of one of France's foremost university towns. Take advantage of the surprisingly vibrant nightlife. Tuck into the local aïoli, olive oil and speciality chocolates. Stroll out through the woods to the craggy slopes of Mont St Victoire, a favourite subject of Picasso as well as of Cézanne. You'll never want to leave – but this summer at least, you must. Aix has a decent share of exhibitions and shows in the Provence-wide celebration of Marseille's status as this year's European Capital of Culture , but the real action is in the port city, 30 minutes away by train.

Like Liverpool, Marseille has used its Capital of Culture status to launch a massive push for regeneration; and here, too, it seems to be working. The old port can now hold its own against any world city. Once-crumbling blocks of apartments are suddenly spruce, beloved landmarks have been polished up, seedy waterfronts reclaimed. Tourists are already flocking around – and under – l'Ombrière , Norman Foster's sleek, mirrored sunshade and events pavilion in the Vieux Port. Meanwhile, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations , which opens next month, promises to be nothing short of spectacular. Of course, this being Marseille, a few questions have been asked about the €550m (£460m) that has been spent so far. The run-up to the festivities has generated some horrific stories of police corruption and gangland killings, while the construction work has thrown the city's already rather too exciting roads into yet more chaos. In other words (again like Liverpool), Marseille has retained its unique character throughout. This has always been one of the most invigorating, exciting and cosmopolitan cities in France.

Add to that a packed programme of open-air concerts, exhibitions, artistic happenings and, intriguingly, a guided eyes-closed tour of the city , and even the 200mph Eurostar won't feel as if it's getting you there fast enough. The Returned confirms that the French are ready to challenge the Scandinavians as the powerhouse of new TV drama, says Mark Lawson Published: 25 May 2013 Daft Punk prove that French rock and pop doesn't always have to be a joke.

Their Random Access Memories is the most eagerly anticipated album of 2013, says Alexis Petridis Published: 25 May 2013 For grown-up high street chic, French brands like Sandro, Maje or the Kooples always deliver, says Imogen Fox Published: 25 May 2013 Her mother is the former editor of French Vogue, she was photographed by Mario Testino at 10, and her new baby blog rivals Gwyneth's… Julia Restoin Roitfeld is 2013's ultimate It girl, says Angelique Chrisafis Published: 25 May 2013 Marseille: The European Capital of Culture | Untapped Cities Marseille: The European Capital of Culture Share View of Marseille from Gare St Charles It is said that when you arrive in Marseille, you have landed on Mars. The complex and contradictory nature of France’s second city can bewilder a first time visitor who doesn’t expect such chaos. Some interpret it as corrupt disorder, but they judge a bit too hastily a city that is naturally set apart —ringed by mountains and an open blue sea, and proud to be the oldest in France, never tamed by an upstart like Paris.

Exotic and pulsating, Marseille is the eternal rebel who plays host to all the world’s cultures. This unique mix is fertile ground for the many artists and musicians who together have here created one of the most experimental scenes in Europe. For too long the City Hall did not care, never really supporting culture in the city. But seeing the opportunities it could bring for renovation and investment, they finally took note and successfully secured Marseille as the European Capital of Culture in 2013. But how does a rebellious city like Marseille host an event that at its very core symbolises the ordered centrality of Europe? Well, the beauty of Marseille is that she’ll take anything and make it her own. This weekend saw the grand opening ceremony and 400,000 people descended on the ‘Capital’ to watch a haphazard array of street theatre, light parades, water displays and fireworks. 400,000 Marseillais gathered in the City Centre to celebrate the grand opening of Marseille Provence 2013 -European Capital of Culture. There were DJs and live music all over the city on Opening Night In the build-up to the event, Marseille has invested massively in urban regeneration and the creation of new museums.

The crowning glory is the Mucem (Musée des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée), a new national museum that explores the cultures of the Mediterranean. Perched on the edge where the Vieux Port meets the sea, it is celebrated for its imaginative and dynamic architecture— a beacon of a new Marseille that is still seaward gazing, but more confident and prosperous. The Mucem: a national museum in Marseille Inside the Mucem: Always looking out to sea Besides all the specially organised events for this year, one of the most successful on-going projects is at La Friche Belle de Mai , an old factory complex that over 20 years has developed into a nerve centre of creativity housing artists, designers and filmmakers. Over 80 companies are now based there as well as a live music venue, restaurant, skate park and contemporary art gallery that has been endowed with a vast modern wing offering stunning views over the city’s skyline. In its corridors you feel more in Berlin or London’s East End, except for one glaring difference: the endless blue skies that grace Marseille with their presence for over 300 days a year. La Friche Belle de Mai: A Cultural Institution.

Mural at La Friche Belle de Mai And so, in its typically unfocused way Marseille continues its ascent. The New York Times has placed it in 2nd position out of 50 must-see places in 2013 and the photos in this post illustrate just how much the words ‘dynamism’ and ‘enterprise’ can rightfully be attributed to what is at heart a working class port city. Get in touch with the author @ManInMarseille and check out his blog, The Man from Mars(eille) . Marseille, Europe’s new cultural capital, seeks to shed its shady image - France 24 Marseille, Europe’s new cultural capital, seeks to shed its shady image Text by FRANCE 24 Follow france24_en on twitter Latest update : 2013-01-13 As Marseille takes the baton as European Capital of Culture 2013, it is hoping its full programme of arts and entertainment events will reshape traditional – and less savoury – perceptions of the city. On Saturday, France’s second city Marseille started its year-long role as Europe’s culture capital.

The city and outlying region will host more than 100 exhibitions and performances linked to a ‘Mediterranean’ theme. These will include everything from public contemporary art exhibitions, circus events, pyrotechnic performances, a Rodin exhibition and a major retrospective on modernity in painting. Councils from Marseille to Arles, and several towns in between, have invested more than 90 million euros in the event, known as Marseille-Provence 2013 (MP 2013). The port city’s credentials as a capital of culture have received a further boost from the injection of 660 million euros into the building and upgrading of more than 20 different cultural sites. On Saturday, Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault and the president of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, marked the start of festivities by placing the final stone in the Museum of Civilisations from Europe and the Mediterranean (MuCEM). Built close to the city’s iconic old port and overlooking the sea, the museum will open in June. A challenge for Marseille Yet behind the bright veneer of culture, stands a city with a distinctly shady reputation.

Unlike other French cities such as Lille, which was the Capital of Culture in 2004, Marseille is more commonly regarded as a city that is rebellious, noisy, and violent – and with Mafia connections to boot. In recent months, Marseille has been gripped by a spate of organised crime that resulted in more than 20 deaths in 2012, and has experienced numerous police corruption scandals. Well aware of the city’s sulphurous reputation, MP-2013 president Jacques Pfister has turned it to his advantage. When it comes to culture, Marseille, he said, “will not be like a well-behaved child, but a turbulent creator of multiple cultures”. Yannis Augustides, who heads a local association that welcomes new residents called AVF, told French daily La Croix that it was a unique occasion to change perceptions of the city. “People who come here have an image of the city as being complicated and fascinating. Either you love Marseille or you hate it.” The Marseille native has been fighting a daily battle against the clichés that erode the city’s reputation, though which often have a kernel of truth at their heart.

“Either Marseille evokes the sun, its football club Olympic Marseille, crickets, beach and pastis, or else it’s the Mafia town with its settling of accounts and Kalashnikovs,” he said with regret. (FRANCE 24 with wires) European Commission - PRESS RELEASES - Press release - The European Capitals of Culture for 2012 and 2013 are announced Brussels, 12 May 2009 The European Capitals of Culture for 2012 and 2013 are announced The Council of the EU is today designating Guimarães (Portugal) and Maribor (Slovenia) to be the European Capitals of Culture in 2012, followed by Marseille-Provence (France) and Košice (Slovakia) in 2013. This decision reflects the recommendation made in autumn 2008 by the selection panel. Ján Figeľ, European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth, said: "I am delighted and congratulate the four cities on their designation as European Capitals of Culture.

This title has a long-standing and excellent reputation, and to bear the title for a full year puts a city firmly in the spotlight. This creates an enormous potential for local development. I am pleased that the new selection procedure, which resulted in the designation of the 2013 capitals, generated vigorous competition and a lot of public interest, which is reflected in the great number of cities applying, and the high quality of their bids for the title." Guimarães and Maribor: European Capitals of Culture 2012 Portugal and Slovenia are the EU Member States entitled to host the European Capital of Culture event in 2012. Portugal proposed Guimarães and Slovenia Maribor. On the basis of an overall evaluation against a set of criteria laid down in 2006 a panel of independent experts assessed these proposals and reached a consensus in the autumn of 2008 to recommend that the two cities host the European Capital of Culture in 2012. Consequently, the Council is designating today both cities as the 2012 European Capitals of Culture.

Marseille-Provence and Košice: European Capitals of Culture 2013 A new designation process was applied for the 2013 Capitals consisting of a two round competition managed by the Member State concerned. On the basis of the relevant criteria for the event, Marseille-Provence and Košice were assessed by the panel as the best applications submitted and won the competition in France and Slovakia respectively. Consequently, the Council is today designating Marseille-Provence and Košice as the 2013 European Capitals of Culture. Preparing for the event Today's formal designation is only the beginning of a process leading up to the year as a European Capital. The preparations lasting several years are decisive for the eventual success of the event. One of the keys to this success is a consistent commitment of state and municipal governments throughout, right up to the year itself, including financial contribution. The event generates considerable cultural and socio-economic benefits, including positive effects on tourism. The scale of the event – lasting an entire year – is extremely challenging. This is why there is now a monitoring and advisory process – organised by the European Commission – to help the cities during the preparation period.

The monitoring panel will give constructive advice and seek to ensure that the commitments made at the selection stage are fulfilled. If these commitments and the recommendations of the panel are followed, then in line with the legal decision, the cities will be awarded the Melina Mercouri prize to reward them for the preparations of the event. Following Vilnius (Lithuania) and Linz (Austria) this year, the next European Capitals of Culture will be Essen (Germany), Pécs (Hungary) and Istanbul (Turkey) in 2010, and Turku (Finland) and Tallinn (Estonia) in 2011. To know more:

Question: Which French city was was the 2013 European Capital of Culture?
Answer: Marseilles