European Paganini Route Celebrates Council of Europe Certification in Genoa
European Paganini Route Celebrates Council of Europe Certification in Genoa
The European Paganini Route celebrated its certification as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe during an official ceremony held at Palazzo Tursi in Genoa, the birthplace of Niccolò Paganini.
Genoa, 30 October 2026 – The European Paganini Route celebrated its prestigious certification as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe during an official ceremony held on 29 October 2026 at Palazzo Tursi in Genoa, as part of the Ottobre Paganini Festival.
The event represented an important milestone for the international cultural network dedicated to preserving and promoting the artistic legacy of Niccolò Paganini, bringing together representatives of the Council of Europe, local institutions and the European Paganini Route.
The ceremony followed the official celebration of the certification at the 15th Advisory Forum on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, held in Yerevan, Armenia, from 23 to 25 September 2026.
An Official Ceremony in Paganini’s Birthplace
The ceremony took place in the historic Palazzo Tursi, in the heart of Genoa, a city whose cultural identity remains deeply connected to the life and legacy of Niccolò Paganini.
Among the distinguished guests were Rui Gomes, Executive Secretary of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe and Director of the European Institute of Cultural Routes, and Maria Giusi Luprano, Council of Europe Officer and member of the Bureau of the Governing Board of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes.
The City of Genoa was represented by Giacomo Montanari, Councillor for Culture, who conveyed greetings on behalf of Mayor Silvia Salis and welcomed the authorities, institutional representatives and participants.
During his address, Councillor Montanari reaffirmed the City’s strong support for the European Paganini Route, highlighting the importance of the international network established around Paganini’s legacy as a valuable resource for Genoa’s cultural heritage. He also expressed the City’s willingness to collaborate on future initiatives, emphasising the significance of the ongoing Ottobre Paganini Festival.
The European Paganini Route was represented by its President, Nicola Costa, and Manager, Michele Trenti together with members and representatives of the international network.
A European Recognition for Paganini’s Legacy
The certification as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe recognises the European Paganini Route’s commitment to promoting the cultural and musical heritage associated with Niccolò Paganini, one of the most influential violinists and composers in European history.
Through its international network, the Route connects cities, cultural institutions, conservatories, music academies and organisations linked to Paganini’s life, travels and artistic influence.
The certification strengthens opportunities for European cooperation, cultural exchanges, educational initiatives and sustainable tourism, highlighting music as a powerful means of connecting communities and promoting a shared European cultural identity.
Celebrating this recognition in Genoa, Paganini’s birthplace, carried particular symbolic significance, reinforcing the relationship between the Maestro’s origins and the European dimension of his extraordinary artistic career.
A Celebration of Music and European Cultural Heritage
Following the institutional ceremony, guests attended a reception at the Genoa Chamber of Commerce, providing an opportunity for dialogue and exchange among institutional representatives, cultural organisations and members of the European Paganini Route.
The celebrations continued in the evening with a special concert featuring violinist Mario Hossen and pianist Patrick Dheur, both members of the European Paganini Route.
The programme included compositions by Niccolò Paganini, Camillo Sivori, César Franck, Eugène Ysaÿe and Patrick Dheur, celebrating the richness of the European violin tradition and the enduring influence of Paganini’s musical legacy.
The concert offered a fitting conclusion to a day dedicated to music, cultural heritage and European cooperation.
A New Chapter for the European Paganini Route
The ceremony in Genoa marked another important step in the development of the European Paganini Route, following the certification celebrations held in Yerevan in September 2026.
This recognition opens new opportunities to strengthen international partnerships, develop joint cultural and educational initiatives and promote sustainable cultural tourism across the European territories connected by Paganini’s life and artistic influence.
The European Paganini Route extends its sincere gratitude to the Council of Europe, the City of Genoa, the institutional representatives, its members and partners, and everyone who contributed to the organisation and success of the event.
From Genoa to Europe, the journey continues — connecting people, places and cultures through the universal language of music.