Two cities steeped in history came together at the Mansion House last week as Dublin and Pompei signed a new friendship agreement.
The agreement, announced by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, marks the beginning of what city leaders hope will become a lasting and meaningful relationship between the two places, opening doors to collaboration between the Campania region and Greater Dublin in the years ahead.
Mayor of Pompei, Dr Andreina Esposito, travelled to the capital with a delegation to take part in the signing ceremony on Wednesday evening, February 11.
Held in the Mansion House, the event brought together elected members of Dublin City Council, the Italian Ambassador to Ireland, Nicola Faganello, and senior council officials.
The agreement aims to promote lasting friendship and practical cooperation between Dublin and Pompei through a series of initiatives that will span culture, gastronomy, education, sustainability, tourism and cultural heritage.
For Dublin, the move aligns closely with the Lord Mayor’s current theme of ‘Celebrating Dublin’, which focuses on highlighting the capital’s history, character and sense of place.
Speaking at the ceremony, Lord Mayor McAdam described the agreement as an important moment for the city and for its relationship with an area steeped in global historical significance.
“Tonight, in the Mansion House, we celebrate Dublin by opening our doors in friendship to the people of Pompei.
“It is a real honour to welcome Mayor Esposito and her colleagues to our capital city to sign this agreement and to strengthen relations between our two cities.
“Dublin and Pompei share something rare: a deep sense of place, a rich story that continues to shape who we are, and a cultural heritage that belongs not just to our own citizens, but to the wider world.
“There is real common ground between us, and exciting potential in what we can explore together, from culture and education to sustainability, tourism and the shared celebration of heritage.
“Partnerships like this bring fresh perspective and new ideas, and they help us to showcase Dublin at its best, while learning from others who value their past and invest in their future.”
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, andDr. Andreina Esposito, Mayor of Pompei and Ambassador of Italy to Ireland Nicola Faganello pictured at the signing
Pompei, best known worldwide for the preserved remains of the ancient Roman city destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, attracts millions of visitors each year and stands as one of the most important archaeological sites on the planet.
The modern city continues to build its identity around that legacy, balancing preservation with the needs of a contemporary community.
The agreement is expected to encourage cultural exchanges between the two cities, including potential partnerships between museums, artists, educational institutions and heritage organisations.
It also opens the possibility of joint tourism initiatives, with both locations keen to highlight the unique experiences they offer visitors.
Gastronomy is another area highlighted within the partnership, reflecting the strong culinary traditions associated with both regions. Dublin’s evolving food scene, combined with the Campania region’s internationally celebrated cuisine, could form the basis for collaborative events, festivals and exchanges that celebrate local produce and food culture.
Education and sustainability are also key pillars of the agreement. City officials hope that universities, schools and research bodies will benefit from closer links, while sharing best practice in areas such as heritage preservation, environmental protection and sustainable tourism.
The presence of the Italian Ambassador to Ireland at the signing underlined the broader significance of the agreement, highlighting the close relationship between Ireland and Italy and the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening those ties.
For Dr Esposito and her delegation, the visit to Dublin offered an opportunity to connect directly with civic leaders and explore how the two cities can work together in practical ways.
While the agreement sets out a framework for cooperation, its long term success will depend on the initiatives that grow from it in the coming years.
City officials believe the partnership has the potential to bring real benefits, from cultural exchange programmes to tourism promotion and educational links that allow people in both places to learn more about each other’s history and traditions.