Antalya’s historic heart, Kaleiçi, where one side opens to the endless blue of the Mediterranean and the other to the depths of history, is counting down the days to the festival. Now in its 10th year, the Kaleiçi Old Town Festival once again brings together diverse cultures within the unique atmosphere of the city’s ancient district.
This year’s participants include Visoko from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Prague 6 and Pribor from the Czech Republic, Biograd na Moru from Croatia, Cork from Ireland, and Gradara from Italy. In addition, the Italy–Turkey Friendship Association in Sicily and the Malta Local Councils Association will also take part. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will be represented by the cities of Gazimağusa and Girne.
Over the years, Muratpaşa Municipality has developed strong relations with many European and Mediterranean cities, fostering a network of friendship, cultural exchange, and sustainability among local governments. The festival serves as a vibrant meeting point for this network.
Throughout the event, participating cities will engage not only in cultural activities but also in official meetings aimed at establishing new partnerships among local administrations.
This year, Muratpaşa Municipality will sign cooperation and sister city protocols with Kamianets-Podilski from Ukraine and Noto from Italy.
Kamianets-Podilski, with its medieval fortress walls, the Kamianets Castle listed on the UNESCO Tentative World Heritage List, and its well-preserved historic fabric, is one of Ukraine’s most important cultural centers. Noto, on the other hand, is a stunning Baroque town located on the island of Sicily and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in the world.
