Premier Paolo Gentiloni and
Culture Minister Dario Franceschini on Monday kicked off
Palermo's year as Italian Culture Capital.
Speaking to local dignitaries including Mayor Leoluca Orlando
and Sicily Governor Nello Musumeci, Gentiloni said Palermo was
"changing" after years of being depicted via "stereotypes".
"This is a chance to say thank you Palermo, the Italians are
proud of this city," the premier said.
He said a major new library of Islamic studies would be set
up with government funds and named after famed late Florence
mayor Giorgio La Pira.
Franceschini said Palermo "will remain the capital of
dialogue".
Orlando said there would be "thousands of initiatives" during
the year and said Palermo was "an example of tolerance and
welcome".
He said "Palermo excellence" would be put to the test.
Orlando added: "One of he characteristic elements is that the
peripheries will be more involved than the centre.
"WE want to abolish the term peripheries".
Tourist visits to the Sicilian capital, which is already one
of Italy's most popular destinations, are expected to be boosted
considerably by the slew of cultural events planned.
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