The Time In Pietrasanta

As part of a project by the State Council on the Arts, in April of 2009 Mayor Todd Strange signed paperwork on the deal with Pietrasanta, Italy's mayor, Massimo Mallengni. 

In November of 2009 Pietrasanta made Todd Strange an honorary citizen. 

November of 2015 saw a delegation from Pietrasanta attend Mayor Todd Strange's swearing in ceremony. At this event mayor Massimo Mallegni became Montgomery's first honorary citizen. 

Troy University Students have attended the DAP Festival in Pietrasanta every non-covid year since 2017. 

In November of 2019 the City, along with Troy University, signed a renewal agreement with Pietrasanta. Taking place at the Rosa Parks Museum, present were members of the Chamber of Commerce, Troy University, the City of Montgomery, and a delegation from Pietrasanta. Troy University also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with our Sister City.

A statue, made of Sylacauga marble, was unveiled in the Joyce Caddell Sculpture Garden of the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. It was designed and sculpted by Craigger Browne and Marcello Giorgi, and depicts the two cities, one on each side of the moon shaped statue.

 As part of the 2019 delegation, a culinary exchange program was began, involving Chef Eric Rivera and his team at Vintage Hospitality Group.   

As part of a cultural exchange and through the Alabama State Council on the Arts, Montgomery was honored in April 2009 by a visit from Pietrasanta dancers, musicians and artisans. Alabama residents were able to attend an evening of opera, enjoy a Tuscan film festival in addition to viewing art and sculpture exhibits. Moving forward to 2019, a Tuscan delegation visited Montgomery. This group, that included Senator Massimo Mallegni and Chef Gianluca Tolla, worked with Chef Eric Rivera and his team at Vintage Hospitality Group to provide an array of Italian inspired dishes for guests to experience.

Much like the 2009 event, Chef Rivera and his team envision an exchange of chefs, whereby each city would be represented through the hosting of future special dining experiences featuring meals and ingredients respective to each region’s history and location. This program would open the door for additional community opportunities through cooking classes, culinary presentations, tastings, specialized menus, and more. 

With continued culinary investment and the Spring 2022 opening of Ravello, the Culinary Exchange Program will continue to contribute to and build upon Montgomery’s relationship with its sister city as well as broaden the community’s appreciation into the area of culinary arts. 

You can donate to help support this exchange HERE.

Each year Troy University students visit Pietrasanta to attend the DAP Festival, one of the most prestigious international dance festivals in the world. For two weeks they learn from some of the great masters of dance, while getting to attend an astonishing array of performances.