What are the European Capitals of Culture 2023?

When thinking of city breaks in Hungary, Romania and Greece, certain places will instantly spring to mind: Budapest, Bucharest and Athens, the much-admired capitals. But in 2023, it’s time to make space on your travel wish list for some up-and-coming urban hotspots in these countries: the European Capitals of Culture 2023. This year, why not get under the skin of a secret city that’s rich with art, history, gastronomy and vibrant local communities? Step forward Veszprém, Timișoara, and Elefsina: it’s your time to shine.

What is a European City of Culture?

Every year, the EU’s Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture selects cities from its Member States to take the title of European Cities of Culture. The status not only recognises the local cultural product available in these areas, but aims to increase the city’s appeal for travellers by highlighting its artistic and historic assets in a year-long programme of events. Although claiming the crown for just the year, the initiative is designed to raise the cities’ profiles, and continue to welcome cultural enthusiasts after their tenure is up.

What are the European Capitals of Culture in 2023?

Situated 120km from the capital of Budapest, the little-known city of Veszprém is home to 60,000 people, one of the oldest urban areas in Hungary, and was awarded the title of UNESCO City of Music in 2019. Now, it’s been named a European Capital of Culture for 2023.

Its year-long programme of cultural events will kick off on 21-22 January, with a Grand Opening Ceremony celebrating the 200^th anniversary of Hungary’s national anthem ‘Himnusz’, and also the Day of Hungarian Culture. Not to be missed during the opening event is an hour-long production dubbed Shine Veszprém!, featuring musical and dance performances, light shows and large scale projections. The spectacle is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors to the city.

This is just the beginning for Veszprém though. Throughout the year, expect a spectacular concerts, theatre performances and seminars on sustainability. As the region is well-known for its viniculture, there will also be a strong focus on wine and culinary art.   

More information: Veszprém 2023

Timișoara has flourished over the centuries, thanks to its influence of more than 30 different cultures, making it the diverse city it is today. Now, this friendly urban hub attracts creative bodies for its several major cultural institutions, Secessionist architecture and popular university scene.

At the heart of the its year-long art programme is the theme of ‘light’, with its motto being ‘Shine your light! Light up your city!’. This works practically, as Timișoara is famously known as the first place to introduce electric street lamps in 1889. But also symbolically, for individuals to shine their ‘inner’ light and express their values and attitudes through art. 

The opening ceremony of Timișoara European Capital of Culture 2023 will take place from 17-19 February. This weekend promises new ways to discover the city through all your senses, with musical and dance performances celebrating the authentic story of the Timisoara. This really is the weekend to visit, with an expected 50 events squeezed into this opening. 

Don’t worry if you can’t make it in February, as this really is just the start. On average, 30 events will take place each week throughout the year, from concerts to art exhibitions, debates to workshops.

Timișoara’s Mayor Dominic Fritz announced on social media that he wants the city’s tenure as Capital of Culture to inspire countries across the world with its ‘spirit of innovation’ and ‘diversity and courage’. 

More information: Timișoara 2023

Just 18km from Athens, Elefsina (also known as Eleusis) has been selected as another European Capital of Culture 2023. The industrial hub is already home to a number of cultural venues, including the Old Oil Mill Factory, a historic industrial complex transformed into an open-air theatre, and ancient archaeological sites such as the hill of the Acropolis. New for its reigning year as Capital of Culture, there is the X – Bowling Art Center, a multi-purpose venue hosting everything from theatre performances to visual arts events.

Elefsina’s  opening ceremony will take place on 4 February along the city’s waterfront, where many of its venues are. Exhibitions, concerts and parties will run from morning until night, with impressive processions also bringing the streets (and sea) to life.

This opening will introduce the theme of the entire year’s programme, ‘Mysteries of Transition’, which celebrates the fascinating history of Elefsina. In total, more than 400 productions have been planned in 30 different venues, so it’s set to be an action-packed year of cultural delights. 

More information: Elefsina 2023