Castelfranco Veneto exchanges with 4 Italian cities

End of August, our Pilot City Castelfranco Veneto together with partners EURAC and University of Padova organised an online city-to-city exchange webinar with four other italian cities.

Castelfranco Veneto presented its achievements in making the historic Giardino della Villa Revedin Bolasco more accessible and inclusive through its participation in VARCITIES.

Torino presented the transformation of the Mirafiori Sud district through major European projects such as ProGIreg and ClimaGEN. These initiatives enabled the conversion of abandoned industrial land into thriving community gardens, promoted urban agriculture, and fostered strong local partnerships and educational programs in collaboration with schools and research centers

Cesena shared its experience within the European project AdriaDapt and the Green City Accord, which have been instrumental in integrating green solutions into urban planning and enhancing the city’s resilience to climate change. The municipality described its regulatory tools, participatory processes, and strategies for protecting natural areas, referencing recent flood events as a catalyst for further action.

Sezze showcased its commitment to social inclusion and environmental revitalization through a project funded by Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) “SETIA FACTORY”. The municipality highlighted efforts to improve park accessibility, involve vulnerable groups, and create educational opportunities that connect residents with local green spaces and sustainability objectives.

Padova presented its pioneering work on the development of a digital twin of the city. This innovative project uses advanced digital technologies to monitor environmental well-being, simulate urban scenarios, and engage citizens in the co-design and management of public spaces.

A key theme throughout the event was the importance of replicability and scalability. Castelfranco Veneto has developed digital tools, methodological guides, and a centralized data platform which could be useful for other cities in adopting similar approaches. The social impact of these interventions was also highlighted, with Castelfranco Veneto reporting a social return on investment (SROI) nearly double the project’s costs.

Collaboration between municipalities and public organisations from different member states underscores VARCITIES’ commitment to innovation and sustainability. We’re excited about the dialogue our Pilot Cities are making making together with their Partner Cities about co-creating healthier cities, and look forward to continuing our journey of innovation and partnership!