Three coastal Cities of Culture
Three coastal communities mean three diverse Capitals of Culture for 2017
Aarhus And Paphos Fly European Flag
Jointly awarded European Capital of Culture status for 2017, Aarhus and Paphos both offer packed programmes of cultural activities including exhibitions, performances and family-friendly events.
Tucked on the eastern shore of Central Denmark – the Jutland Peninsula – Denmark’s second city offers a laidback lifestyle with pretty coastal and forest scenery on the doorstep. Aarhus has a fast-growing reputation for its innovative cuisine with local produce and has also been designated European Capital of Gastronomy 2017. Try melt-in-the-mouth fish with crispy reindeer moss!
Experience the relaxing Danish concept of hygge in the cosy cafes of the Latin Quarter. Challenge your artistic perceptions at AroS, the Aarhus Art Museum and view the city through the multi-coloured glass of the Rainbow walk on the museum roof.
I loved time-travelling at Den Gamle By, where dozens of buildings from the 1860s, 1920s and 1970s have been brought together to create an open air museum. I slipped back even further in time to experience the life and times of the Vikings, Bronze Age, and beyond at the stunning Moesgaard Museum, where an epic Viking saga performance plays out this summer on the grass roof ( www.aarhus2017.dk/en).
Across the Mediterranean in Cyprus, Paphos is loved for its sun, sea and sand. The area boasts 27 beaches along 50km of coast with a wealth of outdoor activities that include four top-class golf courses, a tennis academy and multiple water sports ( www.visitpafos.org.cy).
The cultural year in Paphos is inspired by the area’s archaeological sites and myths, in particular the
sculptor Pygmalion whose carving of a beautiful woman, Galatea, was brought to life. He married her and named their daughter Pafos.
Throughout the year, music and dance, light shows and exhibitions will link the city’s rich past with its vibrant future as a multicultural city and living artwork ( www.pafos2017.eu).
Aarhus and Paphos will be connected throughout the year by a series of common projects, the programme in Pafos kicking off with music from the Aarhus Jazz Orchestra by Danish composer Lars Moller.