The Sicilian city of Agrigento, famed for its rich archaeological heritage, will be the Italian Capital of Culture in 2025, the culture ministry announced in Rome on Friday. Shortlisted towns and cities vying for the 2025 title presented their bids to a jury last week, with the winning candidate for the prestigious recognition chosen by Italian culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano.

Agrigento saw off competition from the other nine finalists in the running for the coveted title: Aosta, Assisi, Astia, Bagnoregio, Monte S. Angelo, Orvieto, Pescina, Roccasecca and Spoleto. Located on Sicily's southern coast, Agrigento is best known for its archaeological area, the Valley of the Temples, which has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Tangible Heritage site since 1997.