Charleston, SC
USA         

Spoleto, Umbria
ITALY

The Spoleto - Charleston Sister City Initiative: 

Charleston, SC USA and Spoleto, Umbria ITALY have long shared a shared a special history and relationship with a partnership that was formalized in 1983 when they became Sister Cities.  Although the partnership had existed for many years, in 2008, the City of Charleston reaffirmed its Sister City Agreement, or Patto di Gemellagio, with Spoleto when Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. of Charleston and Mayor Massimo Brunini of Spoleto signed a Reaffirmation of Sister City Partnership Agreement, whereas each of these cities reaffirmed the other as its Sister City, and agreed to cooperate and promote mutual goals and benefits.

Following the reaffirmation of the existing relationship between the cities, the Spoleto-Charleston Initiative was born. 

The Initiative exists to strengthen the connections the cities have enjoyed for past years as well as to establish new ties through the creation of long-lasting partnerships that will promote  exchanges and encourage mutual benefits in the fields of arts and culture, tourism, business and  commerce, education, science and technology, and health care.

Through its people to people relationships and program exchanges, outreach has expanded and greater mutual understanding between the two cities has occurred.  This shared learning and cooperation has provided opportunities for not only people to experience and explore another culture but also for economic development in both cities to be strengthened. 

You are invited to explore the Initiative website to learn more about the various ways it is building bridges between the people of Charleston and Spoleto. 

For more information on the initiative, or if you are interested in volunteering, please contact us.