2024European Capital of Culture Tartu - First Day Cover

European Capitals of Culture are European cities selected by the European Commission which showcase their historical heritage and modern cultural life during a year. On the initiative of Greek Minister of Culture, Melina Mercouri, Athens was declared the first ‘European City of Culture’ in 1985 to showcase the wealth of European culture and bring Europeans closer together. Almost 70 cities have now been awarded the honour. In 2024, along with Tartu and Southern Estonia, Capitals of Culture are also Bodø in Norway and Bad Ischl in Austria.