Istorio
Cities in Austria, Estonia and Norway hold the title
Each year, the European Capitals of Culture programme celebrates the rich tapestry of cultural heritage across Europe, showcasing the historical significance, cultural lives and artistic legacies of different cities and regions.
In 2024, the spotlight falls on Bad Ischl in Austria, Bodø in Norway and Tartu in Estonia. European Capitals of Culture don't have to be big, busy cities - this year, three of the smallest places in the programme's history hold the title.
Each place encapsulates a unique blend of heritage, history, and artistic innovation, offering a glimpse into Europe's vibrant heritage. Let's make a virtual visit to each one and explore their cultural heritage.
Bad Ischl, Austria
Bad Ischl is located within the alpine Salzkammergut region of Austria. It is made up of 23 municipalities, and together they hold the 'Capital of Culture' title.
Bad Ischl is a spa town renowned for its imperial history. In 1849, Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria chose the town to be his summer residence. Its elegant architecture and picturesque landscapes reflect the opulence and grandeur of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy.
Franz Joseph and his wife Empress Elisabeth of Austria (known as Sisi) spent their summers in the mansion Kaiservilla.
It was in this villa in 1914 that Franz Joseph signed Austria-Hungary's declaration of war against the Kingdom of Serbia, which began World War I.
But the region was important long before World War I. It has a rich Bronze and Iron Age heritage.
So much so that the lakeside village of Hallstatt gave its name to an entire epoch of the Iron Age - the period referred to as Hallstatt culture (850 to 500 BCE). In the 19th century, an excavation of a large prehistoric cemetery revealed tools and other artefacts relating to nearby salt mines.
The region has inspired many artists, most notably Gustav Klimt who spent summers at the lake Attersee, painting many artworks inspired by the lake's natural surroundings.
Salzkammergut's European Capital of Culture plans are focused on four areas: Power and tradition, Culture in motion, Sharing Salzkammergut and 'Globalokal'. Through these activities, Salzkammergut 2024 aims to connect prehistoric, imperial and more recent history to the future.
Bodø, Norway
Every three years, localities from countries outside the European Union are invited to bid for the European Capital of Culture title. Bodø is a town in the north of Norway, and is the most northerly place to hold the European Capital of Culture title.
Bodø is set among breathtaking landscapes above the Arctic Circle and has a population of around 50,000.
It developed from a village to a town in the early 19th century, due to its fishing and maritime industries. Bodø also has a Royal Norwegian Air Force base, and is the location of the Norwegian Aviation Museum.
Today, Bodø is home to Fram Kino, the first cinema in Norway which opened in 1908. It also boasts football club Bodø/Glimt, the most northerly club to win a European national league competition. They won the Eliteserien, the championship of Norway, in 2020, 2021 and 2023.
In 2024, more than 1,000 events will take place in Bodø and across the Nordland region, with a focus on young people.
In Bodø, these will be centred on Stormen, a concert hall, theatre and library, which opened in 2014.
Tartu, Estonia
Tartu is the second city of Estonia, and known as its intellectual capital. The University of Tartu, founded in 1632, is Estonia's oldest university.
Tartu's history dates back to the 5th century. By the 7th century, fortifications had been built on Toome Hill and, in medieval times, a bishop's castle was also located there.
Today, landmarks such as Tartu Cathedral, the Supreme Court of Estonia and Angel's Bridge are located on Toome Hill.
Over the centuries, Tartu has been ruled by Sweden, Poland and Russia and so has been known by several names - Tarbatu, Dorpat and Yuryev. Since Estonia's independence in 1918, the city has settled on the name Tartu.
Tartu has a vibrant cultural scene. The Tartu Art Museum showcases a diverse collection of Estonian art, reflecting the nation's artistic progression through different eras. It is home to the Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum and the Tartu City Museum.
The Vanemuine Theatre was founded in 1870, and is one of the oldest theatres in Estonia.
In 2024, Tartu plans a series of events, exhibitions and activities relating to the concept 'Arts of Survival'. More than 1,000 events will take place, sharing stories about the knowledge, skills, and values that will help us lead a good life in the future.
The main image is a collage of: Bad Ischl and Traun River by David McGregor, Nyholmsundet by Frankemann and Tartu kesklinn by Ireen Trummer - all via Wikimedia Commons.
