The designation of Bergamo and Brescia as Italian Capital of Culture 2023, approved on July 16, 2020, was a strong response to the global disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic that began in winter 2020.
Two symbols of resilience to the pandemic's violent impact
The Italian government decided to support the proposal made by Bergamo and Brescia, which have become two symbols of resilience to the pandemic's violent impact in Italy, by promoting their nomination as Italian Capital of Culture 2023 and electing two cities instead of one, as an exception to normal procedures. The aim being to support a project that would not only compensate the territory for the tragic pandemic experience and its losses but would also direct all energies towards a true relaunch in which culture would serve as a catalyst for innovations and visions in the most diverse spheres. 
Bergamo
The Italian Capital of Culture 2023 focuses on the theme of the illuminated city
Bergamo and Brescia, located along the pre-Alpine belt and overlooking the Po Valley, have historically been distinguished by the presence of neighbouring civilizations, similar hydrogeological systems, a diverse yet similar urban and housing distribution and similar climatic and environmental challenges. Two cities so close, that they have chosen to embark on a path of growth and development together. The dossier presented for the Italian Capital of Culture 2023 focuses on the theme of the illuminated city, an expression that encompasses various meanings, such as tolerance, creativity, scientific research and technological development.
Public and private players will implement a rich programme of events
The Italian Capital of Culture 2023 project is based on four thematic macro-areas: culture as a cure, the city of nature, the city of hidden treasures, and the city that invents, around which a rich programme of events will unfold, organised in collaboration with public and private players. The events will comprise meetings and conferences, art competitions, exhibitions, music festivals, sporting events, the creation of nature trails as well as raising environmental sustainability awareness among children and organizing infrastructural interventions to improve accessibility to places of culture.
