Turismo Centro de Portugal enthusiastically welcomes Castelo Branco's distinction as the latest member of UNESCO's World Network of Creative Cities, in the category of Handicrafts and Popular Arts. Of the 55 cities that received this distinction this year, Castelo Branco is the only representative of Portugal.
This city, located in the heart of Central Portugal, now joins five other locations in the region that already belonged to this prestigious list: Idanha-a-Nova and Leiria, creative cities of Music; Óbidos, creative city of Literature; Caldas da Rainha, creative city of Handicrafts and Popular Arts; and Covilhã, creative city of Design.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay announced the decision on World Cities Day. These new cities have been recognized for their commitment to incorporating culture and creativity into their development strategies, as well as for their innovative practices in people-centred urban planning.
The Castelo Branco Embroidery, a true jewel of the city, served as the basis for the candidacy coordinated by the municipality. With the intensity of the colors and the light conferred by the silk threads embroidered in raw handmade linen, this embroidery is unique and its designs have their own symbology, such as the tree of life, birds, carnations, roses, lilies, pomegranates and hearts. The distinctive features of this embroidery can also be seen in the architecture and sidewalks, making it a symbol of the city.
"It is with great satisfaction that I welcome the distinction awarded to Castelo Branco by UNESCO. A distinction more than deserved: it is enough to walk through the historic center of Castelo Branco to realize its creative vitality, rooted in the magnificent tradition of Castelo Branco Embroidery. Congratulations to the municipality for this well-deserved recognition", praises Raul Almeida, president of Turismo Centro de Portugal.
With the addition of Castelo Branco, Central Portugal is now proudly home to six UNESCO-recognized Creative Cities, demonstrating the cultural dynamics that characterize the region. The areas of handicrafts and popular arts, music, literature and design have become increasingly identity in this territory, making it even more attractive to visitors.
UNESCO's World Creative Cities Network, established in 2004, now encompasses 350 cities worldwide, representing seven creative areas: Crafts and Popular Arts, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts and Music.
Central Portugal is also proud to include in its territory places and cities that are part of other UNESCO internationally recognized networks. Among them are World Heritage sites such as the Convent of Christ in Tomar, the Monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha, and the University of Coimbra, Alta and Sofia. In addition, the region is home to Global Geoparks, such as the Naturtejo Geopark and the Estrela Geopark, and is part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, with the Berlengas reserve, part of the International Tagus and part of the Paul do Boquilobo.
This new achievement strengthens Center de Portugal's commitment to promoting culture, creativity, and heritage, and emphasizes its role as a prominent tourist destination for those seeking authentic experiences rich in culture and art.
Source information: www.noticiasdocentro.pt
Image source: www.cm-castelobranco.pt