Delphi to Bid for 2021 European Capital of Culture Title

The Region of Central Greece announced on Monday that it officially supports the bid of Delphi to claim the title of European Capital of Culture 2021.

Archaeological Site of Delphi. Photo © Shutterstock

“Delphi is undoubtedly a world-class cultural monument”, a statement from the region said.

“With its great archaeological, historical and cultural heritage and international recognition, Delphi clearly meets the historical and cultural conditions to deservedly be declared as a European Capital of Culture.”

The Region of Central Greece plans to establish a joint working group with the Municipality of Delphi to prepare the town’s bid in the best possible way.

Delphi is considered the center of the ancient world — the omphalos (navel of the earth) — and the region aims for it to become the “center of Europe” through the title of European Capital of Culture 2021.

European Capital of Culture

The European Capital of Culture institution was founded in 1985 by former actress and then-Greek Culture Minister Melina Mercouri. On the Greek side, Athens, Thessaloniki and Patra have served as European Capital of Culture in 1985, 1997 and 2006 respectively.