The European Capitals of Culture: A Closer Look at Marseille and Košice

It’s become one of the continent’s most high-profile cultural events: the awarding of European Capital of Culture status. Dating back to 1985, more than 40 cities have so far been recognised, and this year the mantle is being shared by Marseille and Košice. With both only a few hours away, we take a closer look at their cultural offerings…

Marseille Culture Capital

Marseille

France’s second-largest city isn’t renowned for being picturesque. A Mediterranean location is belied by Marseille’s lack of gentrification, its grittiness and a stark contrast to the serenity of neighbouring Provence. But a reputation defined on aesthetics alone is unfair, for Marseille is one of Europe’s oldest cities – founded by the Phoceans way back in 600 BC. And as its nickname Port d’Afrique suggests, it happens to be a melting pot of different cultures, from north Africa and Comoros to Italy and Spain – a city that, despite a sub-culture of crime, has earned a reputation for racial and religious tolerance, of colourful street markets and souks, and sun-drenched beaches and coves.

Officially unveiled European Capital of Culture on the weekend of 12th and 13th January, Marseille will spend the calendar year showcasing its cultural treasures – from a contemporary art trail and light parades to ‘revelations on the Rhône River’ – through three ‘episodes’. Here’s a closer look at what to expect:

Episode 1: Marseille Provence, Welcoming the World (January to May)

There’s an unmistakeable Big Top atmosphere in Marseille at the moment, with episode 1 showcasing circus performers from around the world. Provence is a base for some of the planet’s finest circus companies, and this is something Marseille is keen to celebrate.

In addition to the circus is the opening of new galleries and exhibitions, including the stunning Villa Méditerranée in April, where visitors will learn more about the Mediterranean ‘experience’. Meanwhile, the Fonds Régional de l’Art Contemporain (FRAC) – a new institution dedicated to contemporary art – will open next month.

Marseille 2013

Episode 2: Marseille Provence, Open Sky (June to August)

June sees the arrival of the famed Mediterranean summer, so events in high season adopt a distinctly al fresco feel. There will be two major themes: the first centring on a new national museum of civilisations, exploring how the Mediterranean has acted as a bridge between east and west, which will open at the entrance to Vieux Port.

The second explores Vincent Van Gogh’s dream of establishing an artists’ workshop in the south of France, with events taking place across Marseille and Aix-en-Provence. The region’s artistic legacy will be explored in depth, from the ceramics and animals of Picasso’s Mediterranean to Cezanne’s ‘promised land’ for painters.

Episode 3: Marseilles Provence, Land of a Thousand Faces (September to December)

The final chapter of Marseille’s year will explore the theme of diversity and ‘the art of living’, or, as the French say, ‘art de vivre’: namely the art of so many people from so many backgrounds living together. And if there’s one thing that brings people together in the Mediterranean, it’s food.

The What’s Cooking? initiative will provide a platform for talented local chefs to tantalise the taste buds of visitors, with organisers hoping to explore “a thousand faces and a thousand flavours”.

Episode 3 will also explore Provence’s literary legacy, with the region’s scribes coming together to launch True Tales of the Mediterranean: a collection of contemporary stories inspired by the many regions.

> Mosey around Marseille with our range of maps and travel guides.

Košice

Chances are you won’t have heard too much about Košice prior to the turn of the year. Home to 250,000 people, it is Slovakia’s second-largest city – complete with its own international airport and excellent railway connections. Its appeal lies in its beautifully-preserved historical centre, where buildings range in style from 12th century gothic to 20th century Art Nouveau.

Košice’s centrepiece is the imposing St Elizabeth’s Cathedral, whose northern tower offers spectacular views over the city, while Main Street – Hlavná ulica – is Slovakia’s largest historical area; home to St Michael’s Chapel, the State Theatre, the ‘singing fountain’ and St Urban Tower, a gothic tower with a pyramidal roof.

Košice’s status as European Capital of Culture 2013 was confirmed in 2008, with the city’s events broken down into the following categories: literature, music, film and photography, multi genre, theatre and dance and contemporary arts. Here’s a close look at three programme highlights:

1.Month of authors’ readings, July

Organisers say this will be a “specific form” of literary festival, with 16 Slovak and 15 Czech writers presenting their work to locals and visitors in Košice, Brno and Ostrava. With the aim of showcasing Czech and Slovak literature (think Franz Kafka and Sándor Márai), organisers hope this will become a regular summer event.

Kosice 2013

2.Pearls of the Gothic Route, 22nd March

Set in the wonderful surroundings of St Elizabeth’s Cathedral, world-renowned composer, conductor and violinist Jordi Savall will offer his own interpretation of baroque and classical music to commemorate the Easter holiday.

3. Days of Jakubisko, March – April

Juraj Jakubisko is one of Slovakia’s most prominent scriptwriters, directors and cameramen, and during March and April his entire film catalogue will be showcased – from 1967’s Christ Years to 2007’s Bathory, his latest historical story. Jakubisko himself will be touring selected towns, chairing talks and meetings.

Through its events, Košice will be fostering the idea of ‘creative tourism’, with visitors being encouraged – though the city’s cultural heritage and 2013 goings-on – to develop their creative potential. Its ambition, ultimately, is to become a European city break destination with a cultural twist.

> See more of Slovakia and Košice with our travel guides and maps.

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