The southern Italian city of
Matera was picked Friday as European Culture Capital 2019.
The Basilicata tourist mecca is famed for its UNESCO-listed
'Sassi' City of Stone that has formed the backdrop to several
films including The Passion of the Christ.
Matera beat Cagliari, Lecce, Perugia-Assisi, Ravenna and
Siena.
Crowds exploded with joy in Matera's central square.
Mayor Salvatore Adduce said: "the designation of Matera is
an example of civilisation and rebirth that comes to Europe from
Matera and the whole of the south".
In Brussels, European Culture Commissioner Androulla
Vassiliou
voiced confidence that the designation would "significantly"
boost the Basilicata city's tourism.
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