The Sicilian capital has been named “Italian Capital of Culture 2018.”

The decision was made on February by a jury appointed by the Culture Ministry and will result in a million-euro award for promotion and investments, as well as a likely increase in tourist visits.Palermo, one of the most beautiful cities in Italy—with a truly enviable historical and cultural legacy—was one of the finalists on the shortlist of ten cities: the others were Alghero, Aquileia, Comacchio, Ercolano, Montebelluna, Recanati, Settimo Torinese , Trento, and a joint Elima-Erice bid (including Buseto Palizzolo, Custonaci, Erice, Paceco, San Vito Lo Capo, and Valderice).

Now that the city has achieved this recognition, the Sicilian capital will gain certain economic benefits. For starters, it will receive €1 million, allowing it to carry out investments to promote cultural activities and increase the value of its artistic heritage.

This expenditure will be excluded from the so-called “Internal Stability Pact”—the limitations the Italian government placed on municipalities in order to manage their budgets.