CULTURAL CAPITALS OF EUROPE (Chicago Tribune, January 11, 2009)
Austrian, Lithuanian cities sparkle as cultural capitals of 2009 The newly anointed Cultural Capitals of Europe for 2009 are Linz, Austria, and Vilnius, Lithuania, both a bit off the continent's prime tourist paths.
Separated by the Czech Republic and Poland, these central and northern European cities are near enough to each other to afford travelers a double treat. Both cities make for charming discoveries, especially in a year in which they are staging exceptional events.
Nearly any day you happen into the old towns of Linz or Vilnius this year, the streets will be given over to celebrations and special events as cultural capitals. This honor has been passed from city to city across Europe each year since 1985. Last year it was Liverpool, England, and Stavanger, Norway; now it's Linz's and Vilnius' turn to show off.
By J.D. Brown & Margaret Backenheimer
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