Paris, January 22, 2026 – The Hôtel de Ville, Paris City Hall, will display a spectacular illumination in the colors of Paris and Rome on the evening of Friday, January 30, 2026. This special event is part of the celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the unique twinning between the French and Italian capitals, a relationship formalized by the famous motto: “Only Paris is worthy of Rome; only Rome is worthy of Paris.”
A Historic Twinning Celebrated with Light
While Parisians are accustomed to seeing the Eiffel Tower lit up for various causes, it is less common for the Hôtel de Ville to change its colors. However, on January 30, this iconic building will be adorned in the hues representing both cities, symbolizing their enduring bond. In a reciprocal gesture, Rome’s Trevi Fountain will also be illuminated in the colors of both cities on January 29, anticipating the Parisian event.
Exclusive Relationship Between the Two Capitals
Unlike many other major cities, Paris maintains an exclusive twinning with Rome. This unique arrangement underscores the deep historical and cultural ties that connect these two European powerhouses. For context, cities like New York boast numerous twinnings, including with London, Madrid, and Cairo, highlighting the distinctive nature of the Paris-Rome alliance.
Year-Long Cultural Festivities Planned
The illumination of the Hôtel de Ville is just the inaugural event in a series of celebrations planned throughout 2026. These festivities will highlight the rich cultural exchange and diplomatic relations between Paris and Rome, featuring official ceremonies attended by the mayors of both cities, as well as a diverse array of cultural events.
- February 2: The Théâtre de la Ville in Paris will host an exclusive concert by Nicola Piovani.
- February 5: A significant meeting on diplomatic relations between Rome and Paris is scheduled at the Bibliothèque de l’Hôtel de Ville.
- April 7-12: “ITALISSIMO,” the traditional festival of Italian literature and culture, will dedicate its program to the twinning.
- July 2-6: The “Dolcevita sur Seine” festival will further celebrate the enduring connection.
These events aim to foster mutual appreciation and understanding, regularly organizing concerts, festivals, and exhibitions that showcase the unique attributes of each city to its sister capital, as emphasized by the City of Paris.
Practical Information for Attendees
The illumination of the Hôtel de Ville will take place on January 30, 2026. The building is located at 75004 Paris and is easily accessible via Metro lines 1 and 11 (Hôtel de Ville station). Visitors are advised to check the official website for any potential updates or specific timings closer to the date.
This celebration underscores the deep and lasting friendship between Paris and Rome, reminding residents and visitors alike of the profound connections that shape European culture and diplomacy.
