In 1956, Paris and Rome signed an exclusive twinning agreement which marked the start of a special relationship. Fifty years later, the two cities have never been as close.
Cities are often the scene of tragic conflicts in which urban populations are the first victims. They have therefore a strong role to play in preventing and resolving crises and in conveying a message of "solidarity between people". In Europe, twinning has been an important means of reducing divides resulting from the two World Wars and of reconciling people. The "exclusive twinning" program between Paris and Rome is a prime example.
Rome shares with Paris exceptional historical and cultural assets. Their drive to improve access to heritage for all has led to joint initiatives on themes such as paintings, literature and cinema. Since 2003, Parisians can visit municipal museums in Rome free of charge and vice versa, the only condition is to show a form of ID. The two cities also strive to take inspiration from every cultural initiative likely to be exported: the "Nuit Blanche" in Paris became in 2004 the "Notte Bianca" in Rome, etc.
In 2001, Paris and Rome decided to breathe new life into their partnership by strengthening and developing their twinning. Both cities are launching joint initiatives, in relation to their citizen's needs, on many contemporary urban issues: tourism, the environment, transport, intermunicipal links, social integration, security, safety, etc. One example: the two capitals, in close cooperation, have trained their municipal employees in the social, legal and cultural aspects involved in welcoming foreigners. The aim is also to remain open to the outside, developing ambitious projects with other EU and world capitals, including, in particular, a program to restore the historical centre of Beijing.