Dubrovnik Bids to Become European Culture Capital

The city of Dubrovnik, which the English poet, Byron, once lauded as the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is preparing an application to run for the title of European Capital of Culture 2020, Tatjana Simac-Bonacic, the deputy mayor, announced on March 13. The call for applications will be open by the end of this year.

Dubrovnik is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia. Since 1979, the city has been on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites.

The European Capital of Culture is a title awarded by the EU for the period of a calendar year, during which the winning city organises a series of cultural events that promote common European values and highlight the richness of different European cultures.

Since its launch in 1985, it has become one of the most prestigious and high-profile cultural events in Europe. So far, more than 40 cities have been designated European Capitals of Culture.

Since 2011, there have been two annual European Capitals of Culture. The capitals this year are Marseille in France and the Slovakian city of Kosice.

The title is sought after, as winning cities gain several advantages. Along with cultural, social and economic benefits, they increase visibility and tend to attract more tourists.