The vast dimensions of European culture cannot be captured with a quick glance. Since 1985, the European Union has dedicated a calendar year to a European city or cities to promote Europe’s immense cultural assets.
Previous European Capitals of Culture include Athens (1985), Lisbon (1994), Graz (2003), Sibiu (2007) and Istanbul (2010.)
EXPLORE MORE: Read about the European Capital of Culture initiative
In 2011, the European Capitals of Culture are Turku and Tallinn, two important medieval trade ports.
Important trade cities always attracted all sorts of 'entrepreneurship' making defensive structures necessary. Tallinn and Turku were no exception: Turku castle and Toompea castle in Tallinn were built to withstand possible outside (and inside) aggressions.