The city of Mons, located in southern Belgium, became the European Capital of Culture in 2014 alongside the town of Plzen in the Czech Republic.
Approximately 300 cultural events are scheduled in Mons until December, including a large-scale exhibition dedicated to Vincent Van Gogh.
Five museums, a conference center, and two performance halls will be inaugurated in this city of 100,000 inhabitants, which dates back to the Middle Ages and is strategically located in the middle of the Paris-Amsterdam-London triangle.
Mons, a university city that has become an administrative and service center, possesses an architectural heritage recognized by UNESCO.
The "European Capital of Culture" program was initiated by the Council of Ministers of Culture of the European Union in 1985, with the aim of bringing the peoples of Europe closer together and celebrating the contribution of cities to the development of culture. To date, over 40 cities have held this title. In 2007, the city of Sibiu held this title alongside Luxembourg.
Source: Mediafax
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the European Capital of Culture program?
Initiated in 1985, the program aims to bring European peoples closer and celebrate the cultural contributions of various cities to European development.
Which city shared the 2015 title with Mons?
The city of Plzen in the Czech Republic was the co-holder of the European Capital of Culture title alongside Mons.
When did a Romanian city hold this title?
Sibiu was the first Romanian city to become a European Capital of Culture, sharing the title with Luxembourg in 2007.