The Italian seaside city of Pesaro has been proclaimed as the country's Capital of Culture 2024, the culture ministry announced on Wendesday. Pesaro beat nine other finalists vying for the title: Ascoli Piceno, Chioggia, Grosseto, Mesagne, Sestri Levante / Tigullio, Siracusa, Paestum / Alto Cilento, Viareggio, and Vicenza.

Culture minister Dario Franceschini unveiled the winner, whose presentation was entitled La natura della cultura, after each of the finalists presented their bids in front of a jury. Located in the Italian region of Le Marche, on the Adriatic Sea, Pesaro is the birthplace of composer Gioacchino Rossini and is famous for its opera festival.