Gaeta is a candidate for Italian Capital of the Sea 2026 with a national dossier

The application dossier includes a structured program with 42 events in the year of the Capital, 16 permanent public works, a volume of investments estimated between 45 and 50 million euros, nine shared territorial projects and a multilevel governance model that integrates institutions, training, research, businesses and local communities. A system consistent with the national tender promoted by the Minister for Civil Protection and Maritime Policies, with the Sea Plan and with the European strategies on the Blue Economy. The project is structured around three pillars: the Permanent Sea Education Centre, which builds an educational chain from childhood to university; the Diffuso del Mare Museum, an integrated system of physical and digital places dedicated to dissemination and innovation; and the Sea Platform as therapy, focused on the value of marine environments for psycho-physical well-being and social cohesion.

“Gaeta is ready to lead a national model in which the sea returns to being an engine of sustainable growth, knowledge and well-being for people” – explained the Mayor of Gaeta, Cristian Leccese. “With this candidacy, the city has not simply participated in a tender, but has started a long-term strategic path, based on territorial unity, design innovation and the centrality of the culture and economy of the sea as an asset for Italy.”