City twinning is a meaningful way for communities to establish lasting relationships and cultural exchanges. A particularly significant twinning has been established between the city of Benevento in Italy and Benevent l’Abbay, a small but charming village in France. After years of anticipation, the formal agreement was signed in April, with the aim of promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding between these two cities.
This twinning represents an important example of cooperation between European cities, showcasing how international partnerships can foster social and economic development in local areas.
Thanks to this collaboration, long-lasting friendships and partnerships have been formed, with both communities successfully highlighting their cultural identities. Let’s take a closer look at what connects Benevento and Benevent l’Abbay, as well as the historical roots, cultural ties, and impacts of this twinning.
What Connects Benevento and Benevent l’Abbay?
The first and most obvious connection between these two small twin towns is their name. The French village of Benevent l’Abbay is named after the Italian city of Benevento.
The Abbey of Benevent l’Abbay houses the relics of Saint Bartholomew, which were transferred to this French village from Benevento in 1105. The relics attracted so many pilgrims that several hostels had to be built to accommodate the visitors.
Another common point between the two towns is their traditional liqueurs. Benevento is famous worldwide for Liquore Strega, while Benevent l’Abbay is known for Beneventine, an amber, aromatic digestive liqueur produced in the Creuse region of France. The French version of Beneventine is derived from a liqueur originally crafted by the monks of Saint-Augustin in the Abbey of Benevent, dating back to 1028.
Both liqueurs, Strega from Benevento and Beneventine from Benevent l’Abbay, are exquisite digestives with a very similar flavor profile, made from a secret blend of herbs.
The History of Benevento and Benevent l’Abbay
Both cities boast rich histories that date back to ancient times.
To understand the significance of the twinning between Benevento and Benevent l’Abbay, it’s essential to examine their histories. Benevento, located in Campania, is a city with a rich cultural heritage that dates back to Roman times. For centuries, Benevento has been an important political, religious, and artistic center in the region.
Similarly, Benevent l’Abbay is a rural town with just over 800 inhabitants, situated in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. It has a millennia-old history, with traces of settlements dating back to the medieval period.
This shared historical legacy provided a strong foundation for the cultural and historical bond between the two cities.
The Twinning as a Cultural Bridge
The twinning between Benevento and Benevent l’Abbay was established with the intent of creating a cultural bridge between the two communities. The historical and cultural similarities have contributed to strengthening this connection.
Both cities share an important religious history, with abbeys playing a central role in the life of their communities. The art and architecture of these two towns are also of great significance.
Benevento is renowned for the Arch of Trajan, the Roman Amphitheater, and the Church of Santa Sofia, a masterpiece of Lombard architecture.
On the other hand, Benevent l’Abbay is home to the Romanesque Abbey of Benevent, a symbol of its historical identity dating back to the 8th century, and the Bonneval Castle, an ancient fortress. These landmarks have further reinforced the cultural ties between the two twin towns.
Cultural Exchanges and Tourism Between the Two Cities
The twinning between Benevento and Benevent l’Abbay has fostered cultural and tourism exchanges between the two towns. Thanks to this partnership, joint events such as art exhibitions, cultural festivals, and artistic performances have been organized. These initiatives have allowed residents from both communities to explore and appreciate each other’s traditions, art, and customs.
One of the most notable projects promoted by the twinning between Benevento and Benevent l’Abbay is the creation of a Cultural and Language Exchange Center. This center, located in one of the twin cities, offers young people the opportunity to take language and cultural courses related to the partner city, promoting mutual understanding and dialogue between the two cultures. Additionally, the center has encouraged the formation of networks between the youth of both cities, fostering a spirit of friendship and collaboration among the younger generation.
Beyond cultural promotion, the twinning has also facilitated economic development in both towns. Collaborative projects between local businesses have been promoted to encourage trade exchanges and mutual investment. Thanks to this, many businesses have had the opportunity to expand their contacts and access new markets, enhancing their competitiveness.
Both cities have also demonstrated a strong commitment to social solidarity and international cooperation. Benevento and Benevent l’Abbay have organized humanitarian projects and solidarity campaigns to support social and environmental causes. This shared commitment to the well-being of the community has helped build a bond based on shared values and goals.
Tourism and Natural Beauty
Tourism has been another area that has benefited from this twinning. Both towns are surrounded by picturesque natural landscapes. Benevento is located in the Campanian Apennines, with surrounding hills and mountains, while Benevent l’Abbay is set in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France, known for its pristine nature and vast green areas.
This shared natural beauty has encouraged collaboration in the field of sustainable tourism and territory promotion. By combining their efforts, both cities aim to enhance the tourist experience by focusing on responsible travel practices and the preservation of their beautiful natural surroundings.
